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Writer's pictureNatalie Meredith

Howl-o-ween Do's & Dont's

Halloween is another level of scary for pets with costumes, masks, lights and a constant parade of strangers at your door. Prevent them being hurt, poisoned, or lost this holiday by following these tips from the American Veterinary Medical Association.


  • Don't feed pets Halloween treats. Candy may contain substances toxic to pets, such as chocolate or xylitol (a common sugar substitute). Often, you won’t be able to tell what a treat or piece of candy contains just by looking at it.

  • Make sure your pets have identification before trick-or-treating starts. A pet could escape through an open door while you are distracted passing out candy.

  • Keep lit candles, jack-o-lanterns, and other Halloween decorations out of reach of pets.

  • Keep digestive hazards like human costume pieces, glow sticks, decorations, batteries, etc. away from pets to prevent choking, internal injury, or illness.


Costumes


If you plan to put a costume on your pet, be sure to follow these guidelines:



  • Take some time before Halloween to get your pet accustomed to the costume.

  • Fits properly, comfortable, doesn't restrict movement

  • Doesn't have any pieces that easily can be chewed off or cause choking

  • Doesn't block your pet's sight, hearing, breathing or mouth

  • Never leave a costumed pet unsupervised.



One More Thing...


Consider how alarming the influx of uninvited guests must be for your dog. To ensure a peaceful evening for all, be mindful of your pet's temperment and bite tendencies around strangers.


  • Put them in a room away from the front door during trick-or-treating hours

  • Provide them with a safe hiding place.

  • Keep your pet indoors. (But if you plan to take them trick-or-treating, check out THESE 5 TIPS.

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