"petHalloween is often a very busy night with the doorbell ringing, kids running around in costumes, and candy everywhere! To keep the celebration fun and safe for your whole family, it is important remember that this night may be very frightening to your dog, cat or other pets.Create A Safe SpaceIn your efforts to prepare all the decorations and treats, please take a few minutes to make sure this Halloween is pet-friendly and safe. Be sure to set up a room or secure space for your pet during trick-or-treating hours. Have food, water, a special toy or two, their favorite treats, and a litter box, if needed, all set up.Consider Their ComfortAlso, you may have spotted the perfect Halloween costume for your furry loved one, but keep in mind that just because the costume is cute does not mean that your pet will enjoy wearing it! Try the costume on your pet in advance and see how they react. If they do not seem to like it, or it is too hot for them, it is better not to force them to wear it.Watch Your KittyIf you are a cat owner and you let your cat roam freely outside on a regular basis, remember that this can be a risky time of year for cats. Around Halloween time, experts advise you to keep your favorite feline inside for a few days and nights to avoid any risk. While they may whine a bit because they are used to going outside, they will be safer in the house where you can keep an eye on them.Be Careful With CandyRemind your friends and kids to keep all candy—especially chocolate—away from your dog. Chocolate should be avoided because it can cause stomach irritation, or if ingested in large quantities, can ultimately be fatal due to a caffeine derivative, called theobromine, which dogs cannot digest. Also, if your dog or cat ingests a candy wrapper, the plastic or waxy paper can get stuck in your pet’s digestive tract and make them ill or it can even prove fatal. The best practice is to avoid candy or human treats altogether and provide your pet with a delicious and nutritious pet treat favorite.Keep Candles Out Of Wag's WayWhen you place a lit candle inside your Peter Pumpkin or Jack O’ Lantern, be especially careful if you have larger breed of dog that could accidentally knock over a pumpkin with their tail when they get excited. Not only could your pet start a fire, but they could severely burn themselves in the process.Allow Room To BreatheIf you are going to put your dog or cat in a costume, remember to make sure the costume is well-ventilated and does not cause your pet to get too hot. Your pet’s body temperature will already be slightly higher with the excitement of the holiday festivities around them, so make sure they are properly hydrated. Always avoid any kind of mask or head piece that would impair ventilation.These tips will allow everyone in your family, including your four-legged members, to have a fun and safe Halloween.

Eric Abbey

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