Houston SPCA Recommends Safety Tips for Spook-Free Holiday

From Houston SPCA:

The Houston SPCA encourages pet owners to take these simple precautions to keep their pets safe this Hallows’ Eve, because the spookiest night of the year can also be full of fright and anxiety for even the most well-behaved pet.

• Keep Decorations and Wires Out of Reach. Avoid a fire hazard by using battery operated candles rather than traditional candles to illuminate your jack-o-lantern. Curious kittens are especially at risk of getting singed or burned by a candle flame. Streamers, ribbons, fake cobwebs, electrical cords, and confetti can all be dangerous if accidentally eaten by a pet.
• Use Caution with Costumes. If you are planning to dress your pet up for Halloween, make sure the costume does not limit his or her movement, sight or ability to breathe, bark or meow. Check the costume carefully for rubber bands that can impede circulation and small dangling pieces that can be chewed and present a choking hazard. Take time to get your pet accustomed to the costume before Halloween and never leave your pet unsupervised while he or she is wearing a costume. If your pet seems bothered or distressed wearing the costume, consider opting for a festive bandana instead.
• Be Watchful While You Walk. While you might think your dog would like to tag along for a night of trick-or-treating, it can actually be very stressful for them. Unusual and unfamiliar objects, costumes, sights, and sounds can spook even the most well-tempered dog. But, if you do plan to take your pup on your trick-or-treat route, make sure they wear a no-slip collar or harness and be prepared to give them breaks or take them home if they seem overwhelmed.
• Keep Them Calm and Identifiable. Halloween ushers in a steady stream of unfamiliar visitors dressed in unusual costumes ringing the doorbell, which can be alarming and stressful for pets. Placing your pet in another room away from the front door during trick-or-treating hours can help to minimize anxiety and ensure that he or she does not dart outside while you are opening the door for visitors. Always make sure your pet is wearing proper identification—if for any reason he or she does escape, a collar with current ID tags and/or a microchip with up-to-date registration information can be their ticket home should they become lost.
• Stash the Treats. Chocolate in all forms—especially dark or baking chocolate—can be toxic for cats and dogs. Sugar-free candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol (common in sugar-free candy and gum) can be poisonous and cause serious health problems in pets. Candy wrappers left on the floor can be eaten by your pets which can cause intestinal blockages and vomiting. If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, call your veterinarian right away or contact the Pet Poison Helpline, (855)764-7661.
• Place Your Pets Inside. Choose to keep your pet safely indoors to eliminate the possibility of them being taunted, used for a prank, or susceptible to cruelty. To report animal cruelty, call (713) 869-7722 or file a report online. If you see an injured stray animal, call (713) 869-7722 for the Houston SPCA’s 24-hour stray injured animal ambulance.

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