Keep Your Companion Animals Safe This Halloween!

Halloween can be a fun, spooky holiday for children of all ages. Costumes, trick-or-treating and haunted houses can provide us a with a fun fright and goosebumps. However, we all have to remember that October 31st can be a very scary and confusing time for companion animals.

Here are some tips to ensure a safe and happy Halloween:

Help your companion animal find a quiet, secure area away from Halloween activities. The strangers in costumes at the front door may frighten and even threaten dogs and cats into unpredictable behavior.

Frequently opened doors are an opportunity for a stressed animal to escape. Keep a close eye on your companion animals as trick-or-treaters come and go. Make sure your companion animal has proper identification at all times; microchips and tattoos are your best bet to ensure that your lost animal finds its way home!

Keep candy out of reach of companion animals. The smell of candy can be very tempting. Many of the treats (including the wrappers) are dangerous and toxic to companion animals. Contact your vet if you suspect your companion animal has ingested something toxic.

Keep companion animals away from dangerous Halloween decorations. Burning candles, jack-o-lanterns, streamers, hanging lights and lawn decorations can be safety hazards.

Please do not force companion animals into the holiday spirit by making them wear costumes. Most animals do not like to wear costumes as it causes them to be confused, uncomfortable and fearful.

Happy Halloween!

From the Staff at Last Chance for Animals