Halloween Safety Tips for Pet Parents From the Ghosts and Goblins at Lake Worth Animal Hospital

Halloween is almost here!  Halloween can be celebrated by all members of your family–your pets included!  However, please remember:

• Microchipping.   Please be sure your pet is microchipped.  If for any reason your pet escapes during Halloween and becomes lost, a microchip (along with a collar and tags) can be a lifesaver, increasing the chances that he or she will be returned to you.

• Please have a safe place ready for all pets during trick-or-treat hours.   Strangers in scary Halloween costumes—who ring the doorbell too!– can distress any pet and even make some of the friendliest animals become more aggressive.

• Keep your pets indoors on Halloween night, especially black cats. Animals are at risk for cruel treatment by some Halloween pranksters.

• Keep your eyes on the treat bowl.  Be sure to prevent your pet’s ability to gain access to the trick/treat candy.  Chocolates, candy with wrappers, candy corn and sugar free gum (with Xylitol) can be dangerous for your pet to eat.

•  Watch your pet carefully.  Some pets may be threatened when trick or treaters come to the door or ring the doorbell.  Some pets may be calmer in a different room, away from the activity at the front door.

•  Keep your pets away from the front door.  Pets can bolt if scared or you may not notice your cat has slipped out the open door.

Choose Safe Pet Costumes–Or Simply a Halloween Scarf!

• Chose a costume that accommodates leases and/or harnesses
• Be sure your pet is wearing their identification tag when in costume, even if they are microchipped.
• Costumes should allow your pet to move freely but not be too big or too loose (would be a tripping hazard) and should not cause overheating.
• Stay away from flammable materials when choosing your pet’s costume
• Make sure all masks, wigs or hats fit well and be sure they do not block your pet’s field of vision in any direction
• Avoid choking hazards on your pet’s costume such as dangly decorations, buttons, elaborate trims
• Make sure your pet’s costume Can Be Seen in the dark

By taking these few precautions, you can ensure that everyone will have a happy Halloween, including your pets.  If you do celebrate Halloween with your pet, please post a photo on our Facebook page!

 If your pet seems to be experiencing any kind of emergency, please call us right away.

 Happy Halloween from all of us at Lake Worth Animal Hospital.