Ten Tips For A Pet Safe Halloween

Halloween means tricks and treats, but that doesn't mean your Great Dane should chow down on chocolate bars! Keep these safety tips in mind for your pet this Halloween.

Star Tribune Sales and Marketing

Last update: October 24, 2008 - 3:52 PM

1. Chocolate is dangerous for dogs and cats. Tin foil and cellophane candy wrappers can be hazardous if swallowed.

2. Pumpkins and decorative corn can produce gastrointestinal upset or intestinal blockage if ingested.

3. Keep wires and cords from electric lights and other decorations out of reach.

4. Use caution so that pets don't knock over a candlelit pumpkin or get burned.

5. Please don't put your dog or cat in a costume UNLESS you know she loves it.

6. Make sure the pet's costume isn't constricting the animal's movement or hearing, or impede her ability to breathe or bark. Monitor or remove small, dangling, or easily chewed-off pieces on the costume.

7. Make sure your pet's costume does not obstruct her vision. Even the sweetest animals can get snappy when they can't see.

8. All but the most social dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room during peak trick-or-treat visiting hours. Too many strangers can be scary and stressful for pets.

9. When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, take care that your pet doesn't dart outside.

10. Always make sure your pet has proper identification of a collar with tags and/or a microchip.

Provided by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.