Many youngsters dabble in devilish behavior this time of year, and animals are often the targets of their pranks. But a treat for the kids can be a cruel trick for a dog or cat. Here are some tips to help keep your animals safe on this haunting holiday:
TIPS
- Keep cats inside. For cats—especially black cats, who have been unfairly associated with “evil forces”—the days leading up to Halloween can be dark indeed as pranksters often go on the prowl for roaming kitties.
- Keep dogs inside. Some kids think that letting dogs out of their yards on Halloween is a great trick, but it’s a terrifying experience for dogs, who often run from the noise and the strangely dressed people and can become lost.
- Don’t take dogs on trick-or-treating trips. Dogs can easily become frightened by the endless stream of laughing and screaming children and run off or even bite someone.
- Keep candy out of reach of animals. All candy (and wrappers!) can cause animals to become sick, and chocolate—which contains an ingredient that is poisonous to dogs—can kill.
- Keep curious noses and paws away from candles and party favors. Jack-o’-lanterns lit up by candles are appropriately spooky, but they can burn animals (and ch
ildren) or start fires if tipped over. The ink that is used in some brightly colored decorations, such as orange streamers and paper pumpkins, is toxic to animals, and swallowed balloons or party favors can block an animal’s digestive tract.
By taking a few simple precautions, everyone—humans and animals alike—can have a safe and happy Halloween.
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