With Halloween on the doorstep, a world of thrills and delights awaits both humans and their cherished animal companions. Don’t let your furry, feathered, or scaled friends miss out on the Halloween fun. Let us be your guide to ensure that this year’s Halloween is truly unforgettable for your beloved pets. Here are some invaluable Halloween safety tips for your four-legged, feathered, or scaly pals to guarantee their best Halloween experience yet.
Never Share Candy With Your Pet
This might seem like obvious advice, but it is important to remember. The common ingredients in Halloween candy can be particularly harmful for pets to swallow. Some of the most dangerous candy ingredients for pets include the following:
- Candy corn
- Chocolate
- Gum
- Loose wrappers
- Raisins
It is a good idea to discuss with your family in advance that you should keep the floors clear of candy wrappers and not offer any of your pets candy. This might end up being a rule that you follow throughout the year.
If you believe that your pet has swallowed something toxic, you should not hesitate to contact your veterinarian or the Poison Control Center.
Make Sure Your Pet Has a Reflective Collar
As the temperature drops and the days get shorter, you should use a reflector collar during your nighttime walks. This will increase the likelihood that your pet is visible to nearby motorists and bicyclists, particularly if you plan on taking your pet trick or treating.
Make Sure Your Decorations Are Safe
Many people especially enjoy decorating their homes for Halloween, and this often includes placing large animatronic sculptures outside their residences. If you have decorations, you might want to consider several safety concerns:
- Choose decorations that require batteries so you can avoid using electrical cords.
- If you do not have this option, you might consider spraying anti-chew on the animatronic device to prevent animals from chewing on its electrical components and hurting themselves.
- Keep your pet a sufficient distance from fog machines that are being used in your neighborhood.
- Make sure that any decorations and choking hazards are kept in places that your pet is unable to reach.
- Carved pumpkins are a staple Halloween decoration for many people, but pets can easily knock pumpkins over and cause fires when those pumpkins contain small candles inside.
- Although pumpkins and decorative corn are not toxic to pets in most cases, they can end up causing stomach pains and various other negative symptoms in pets who accidentally chew on them. As a result, you should do what you can to keep these items away from your pet.
Make Sure Your Pet is Microchipped
It is always a good idea to have your pet microchipped, and at each visit to the vet, make sure that the chip is still working correctly. If you have not visited the vet recently or do not have an appointment until after Halloween, you still have some options:
- Determine whether your community has any facilities for placing microchips in pets. You may be able to take your pet there to have their microchip test-scanned.
- You can obtain your own scanner and assess the status of your pet’s microchip at home periodically.
Ensure that your pet’s microchip and tags contain the most current information. Remember, even if you think your animal will not escape, repeatedly opening your door for trick-or-treaters creates countless chances that your pet will run outside and flee into the night. Having proper identification can significantly improve the chances your pet will be returned. In addition to having this identification up to date, make sure you have a recent picture of your pet that can be used for identification purposes in case the animal ends up lost.
Practice Caution With Pet Halloween Costumes
Some pets experience additional stress as a result of wearing Halloween costumes. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals suggests that you avoid placing your animal in a costume unless you know the animal enjoys it.
If you decide to dress your pet up for Halloween, you should ensure that the pet’s costume does not restrict the pet’s movement. Similarly, the costume should not limit the pet’s ability to breathe or make sounds.
Before placing the pet in the costume, inspect the costume for small or easily chewed-off pieces that act as choking hazards. Costumes that do not fit a pet well can end up twisted on external objects or on your pet and result in injuries. Make sure that you try your pet’s costume on in advance. If your pet is distressed or acts unusually, consider only using a bandana or letting your pet go without a costume.
Reduce the Stress Experienced By Your Pet
On Halloween night, before trick-or-treating begins, place your pets in a quiet room or area where they can remain safe. If your pet might try to run out the front door, place them in a comfortable crate. Some people fill crates with toys and treats while soft music is playing in the background.
Reduce noises that can upset your pet by sitting outside to prevent trick-or-treaters from either knocking on the door or ringing your doorbell.
Even if you are having a small number of friends over for a Halloween party, make sure to keep your pets away from the party in a room where they can avoid stressful stimuli. Remember that masks and costumes can alter how a person looks and even smells to your pet. As a result, in these situations, even people who are familiar with your pet can end up frightening the pet. As a result, you should place a sign on the door to the room where the pet is to inform guests that the room is off-limits. By follow these simple Halloween safety tips for your pets, both you and your pet are sure to have a boo-tastic time!
Contact an Experienced Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one is involved in an accident this Halloween, you should not hesitate to contact an experienced attorney. Schedule a free case evaluation with Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP today.
