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Halloween Can Be Dangerous to Your Pet

Treats and decorations could be hazardous to animals' health

By Lisa Wade McCormick
ConsumerAffairs.com

October 21, 2008
Animal protection organizations say there's no trick to keeping pets safe this Halloween. Pet owners just need to be aware of the risks dogs and cats could face on this upcoming haunted night.

"Many of our favorite Halloween traditions could pose a potential threat to our companion animals," said Dr. Steven Hansen, veterinary toxicologist and senior vice president of The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal's (ASPCA) Poison Control Center. "So as you start to make plans for trick-or-treating or Halloween costumes, pet parents should be aware of Halloween-related products and activities that can be potentially dangerous to pets."

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) agrees.

"It is important to think of Halloween from your pet's perspective," said Stephanie Shain, director of outreach for the Companion Animal Section of the Humane Society. "A constant stream of strangers at the door, some 'creatures' they've never seen before, or just a sharp increase in activity can be agitating or frightening. For their comfort and safety, the most considerate thing you can do for your own pets is to keep them away from the evening's activities."

Animal protection groups recommend the following to ensure your pets' safety this Halloween:

• Don't give Halloween candy to dogs and cats. Candy can be harmful to pets and chocolate is toxic to dogs, cats, and ferrets. Candies that have the artificial sweetener xylitol can also be poisonous to dogs—even small amounts can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar and lead to depression, lack of coordination and seizures. "Chocolate, especially baker's and dark chocolate can also be potentially poisonous to animals, especially dogs," said Dr. Hansen. Symptoms of chocolate ingestion can include vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, and increased thirst, urination and heart rate, and even seizures.

• Keep candy wrappers away from pets. Cats love to play with candy wrappers, animal experts say. But if cats ingest aluminum foil or cellophane it can cause intestinal blockage and induce vomiting.

• Keep pets inside and away from the front door and trick-or-treaters. "Halloween brings a flurry of activity with visitors constantly arriving at the door, and pets may escape the safety of their home, said Gail Buchwald, senior vice president of the ASPCA Pet Adoption Center in Manhattan. "Be sure that your pet has identification tags should he or she accidentally get loose." And remember cats--especially black ones--often fall victim to pranksters.

• Keep Halloween decorations away from pets. Dogs and cats can easily knock over a Jack-O-Laterns and start a fire. And curious kittens are particularly at risk of getting burned by candle flames. Keep dangling decorations in high places to avoid choking hazards. Wires and cords from holiday decorations also pose a danger to pets. If chewed, a wire can damage your pet's mouth from shards of glass or plastic or give them a potentially lethal electrical shock.

• Avoid putting costumes on pets. Many dogs and cats don't like costumes, and some can confine or restrict their movements. If you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume doesn't impair their movement, hearing, sight or ability to breathe or bark. Also check the costume for any choking hazards. A safer alternative is a simple Halloween bandana.

Animal protection agencies also recommend using fake cobwebs sparingly on trees and bushes. They can pose a risk to pets and small birds can easily become entangled in the webbing.

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