Before the goblins, super heroes and space aliens come out, walk your pets so that they can answer nature’s call and burn off energy. Once the festivities begin, make sure you know where your animals are at all times so that a quick escape doesn't result in them missing in action, ending up in an animal shelter or a worse fate in traffic.
Knocking on the Door
During peak Trick-or-Treat hours, keep dogs and cats in a quiet room or on a leash at your side as bizarre looking visitors and high-pitched voices could make dogs feel the need to protect their home and humans. The constant opening of the door to hand out treats creates opportunity for escape, so keep an extra watchful eye.
Costumes and Decorations
Realize that even though you think your pet looks adorable in a costume, he may not be as receptive. If he looks miserable...he probably is! Never leave your dog or cat unattended while in costume, make sure elastic bands don’t pinch and never paint your pet’s skin or fur. Remove any parts that can be chewed and swallowed, and take care that costuming doesn't cover your dog or cat’s eyes, nose or mouth. Even the gentlest pooch can become snippy when he can’t see what’s going on around him.
Restrict your pet’s access to candles and Jack-o-Lanterns which can burn fur and paws along with creating a fire hazard should they get knocked over. Make sure flowers, leaves and other decorations are pet-friendly and out of access to any pooch or feline who might be too curious.
Candy
Remind kids not to share their “loot” with pets, and store your goodies so that they are not pet accessible. Most animals consume wrappers along with the candy and both can cause intestinal upsets and blockages. Additionally, chocolate contains a caffeine-like substance called Theobromine and can be fatal to dogs, cats and ferrets! Be sure to have an up-to-date Pet First-Aid Kit handy and know how to use its contents in case the unexpected happens.
Finally, people lured by myths and legends (and even those taking advantage of the anonymity of costumes) may succumb to malicious pranks targeting black cats or other animals. They may tease, injure, steal or torture your pet. Keep your cats and dogs inside for the night (and every night). If you see anything suspicious regarding the treatment of an animal, call your local animal control or police department immediately.
And remember…October can still be hot in many parts of the country. Make sure your pets have plenty of shade and water. Never leave them unattended in a parked car and be certain that kennels, pet carriers and even rooms in your house are comfortable with good ventilation for your pets.
Denise Fleck - A former film studio publicist, Denise Fleck founded Sunny-dog Ink in 1999 to Help People Help Their Pets! In addition to being an Animal ...
