7 Pet Safety Tips for Halloween

Halloween may be a fun holiday for kids and adults alike, but it can be dangerous—even deadly—for pets. So much goes on during Halloween that could frighten dogs and cats, and/or cause them to get out and get lost. Additionally, pets can get injured during trick or treating.

That's why it's important for pet owners to keep the following 7 pet safety tips in mind—and put them into practice—on Halloween. These tips are courtesy of the North Shore Animal League America, a no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization located in suburban New York:

1. Make sure pets have identification on at all times. With doors opening frequently for trick-or-treaters, pets could run out.
2. Give pets a quiet, safe place to stay. Parties, doorbell ringing, or too many strangers can be stressful, even making animals physically ill.
3. Candy, wrappers, and decorations should be kept out of a pet's reach. Chocolate can be toxic, and many sugar-free candies, gum, and baked products contain xylitol, a sweetener that is toxic to dogs. Candy wrappers can be hazardous if swallowed. If you suspect that a pet has ingested xylitol, call a veterinarian immediately.
4. Keep lit pumpkins away from pets. Pets can knock over pumpkins, and curious kittens run the risk of being burned.
5. Keep electrical cords and wires out of a pet's reach. Decorations can be harmful, and deadly, should pets chew or ingest them.
6. Don't take pets trick-or-treating. Keep pets inside so they will not be the target of pranksters. Also, there may be harmful residue on the street and sidewalk. Watch for eggs, silly string, toilet paper, candy, and other substances that your dog may try to ingest.
7. Do not dress up pets unless you know they enjoy it. Make sure the costume is not annoying or unsafe, and does not restrict movement, vision, hearing, or the ability to breathe or bark. Avoid costumes with dangling accessories that a pet could chew and swallow. Ensure that costumed pets are supervised at all times.

Here are some of the other dangerous pet holidays, two of which are coming up—Thanksgiving and Christmas. So click through to these stories so you can brush up on how to keep your pet safe at each of these holidays as well:

• 4th of July
• Thanksgiving
• Christmas