No Tricks or Treats for Pets

Dear JoAnne:

Last year, my dog ate some of my son's candy and we ended up in the vet emergency clinic on Halloween.  How can I keep my favorite pooch from eating the treats that play tricks on her this year?

Protectively,
Chocolate Avenger

Dear Chocolate Avenger:

Many people think that the winter holidays are the only time pets face new poisonous substances and dangers in the household but Halloween, in the form of candies and their wrappers, decorations, jack o' lanterns and pet costumes, can pose serious problems for curious animals.  Here are some top tips for staying spooky but safe on Howl-o-ween:

• Keep Fluffy and Fido out of the candy bowl - chocolates can be poisonous as can sweets with Xylitol.  Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 if you suspect your pet has consumed candy that is causing gastrointestinal distress.
• Keep decorations inaccessible to curious pets.  Corn husks or pumpkins can cause stomach upset.  Lighted pumpkins are a tempting source of play for animals and are therefore a burn and fire hazard and electric decorations also pose a fire as well as an electric shock danger.
• Costumes seem festive but require caution.  Many pets do not like the confinement of them and pet costumes that are ill-fitting, have dangling parts, or cause allergic reactions can make Halloween even scarier.
• Kids and neighbors love the wacky fun of trick-or-treating but guests coming to the door every few minutes can disturb pets and cause anxiety - make sure to sequester animals on the big night to prevent stress and great escapes.  Check your pets' collars and ID's beforehand just in case someone makes a mad dash during trick-or-treating.  Microchips are the best way to find your pet if he or she gets lost - come in to CAP for a low-cost microchip and locate  your wayward four-footed friends on the day of Halloween (and every day).

(adapted from the ASPCA's, "No Scaredy Cats This Halloween: Top 10 Safety Tips for Pet Parents")