October 21, 2009

Halloween is near, but the ghoulish fun can be downright frightening to your pets. Before you don the spooky costumes and decorations, he Arizona Humane Society reminds pet owners to remember these safety tips:


KEEP PETS INDOORS

• Confine cats and dogs to a secure room with food, water, toys, a litterbox and bedding. Isolate them from the often-frightening sights and sounds of trick-or-treaters.
• Pets may be frightened by costumed children at the door, which can lead to aggressive or protective behavior (snapping, growling) toward children in costumes.
• The continued opening/closing of the door provides an easy escape for a small pet. In the confusion, pet owners often don’t see quick-darting pets as they make their escape into the night!
• Pets may become the victims of cruelty. Keep a close eye on pets during the Halloween season.

• Candy can upset your pet’s digestive system.
• Keep pets away from chocolate, which is toxic and can be fatal. Just a few ounces of chocolate can kill a 10-pound dog, as it can over-stimulate the neurological and cardiac systems.  
• Beware of candy wrappers and foil – they are a choking hazard to cats, dogs and domestic rabbits.

• The Arizona Humane Society recommends a microchip, complemented by a collar and I.D. tag with a current address and telephone number. By law, dogs aged four months and older must have a current Maricopa County license.
• If your pet gets lost on Halloween, visit the Arizona Humane Society’s Second Chance Animal Hospital™ at 9226 N. 13th Ave. and both locations of Maricopa County Animal Care and Control. Also, visit www.pets911.com; www.petfinder.com and www.petharbor.com.

• Children may have a difficult time handling a dog, especially if they’re wearing a costume and carrying a bag of candy.
• Your dog may be frightened by costumed children or other strangers he meets on the street. He could show aggressive behavior or escape a child’s grip, run away and/or dart into traffic.

• If your pet is frightened or uncomfortable, don’t make him wear a costume. Instead, consider dressing up your pet for photos, and then promptly remove the costume.
• Be sure the costume fits. Too big? Your pet may get caught up in it and suffocate or be strangled. Too small? It may interfere with your pet’s circulation or breathing.
• Never leave a pet in a costume unattended.
• Don’t select a costume that restricts airways, impairs vision or hearing, or has buttons, bows or other choking hazards.

• The flame inside a pumpkin may attract curious pets who could get burned! Also, a pet may tip it over and spark a fire.
• Some decorations may pose a choking hazard for pets or get stuck in a pet’s intestines if ingested.

• To get help for a pet in distress or to report a suspected case of animal cruelty on Halloween (or any time), call the AHS for an Emergency Animal Medical Technician™ at (602) 997-7585 ext. 2073. EAMTs are available to help pets in distress 365 days a year.