Contact: Lori Nachtwey
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Wis. Humane Society: Halloween safety tips for pets
GREEN BAY – Halloween can be a lot of fun, but it may not be your pet’s favorite holiday. In fact, it can be very frightening and even dangerous. The Wisconsin Humane Society Green Bay Campus recommends the following tips to keep your animals safe this Halloween.
- Keep Halloween candy out of reach. According to the national Pet Poison Helpline, during the week of Halloween, calls to the helpline increase by 12 percent, making it the call center’s busiest time of year. All candy is bad for your pets, but especially candy containing chocolate, xylitol, or raisins. Candy wrappers or sticks from lollipops can not only cause gastroenteritis but could also cause a gastrointestinal obstruction. If you suspect that your pet has ingested Halloween candy, contact your veterinarian immediately.
- Try to keep your pets in a quiet and safe place far away from the front door. It may also help to turn on a TV or radio to block out strange noises and the doorbell. Kids in costumes can be scary for animals and your pet may become unexpectedly aggressive or fearful when they are normally very friendly.
- Not all pets like to dress up. If you decide to try a Halloween costume, make sure your dog loves it. Your pet’s costume should not impair his vision or hearing or restrict his movement or breathing. Also, make sure there aren’t any small pieces on the costume that could be ingested. Never leave your pet unsupervised in a costume.
- If you carve pumpkins, be careful if you add a real candle. Pets can easily knock a lit pumpkin over and cause a fire. Curious kittens are especially at risk of getting burned by a candle.
- Prevent door dashing. With the door constantly opening and closing, make sure your pets can’t easily escape.
- For Halloween and the other 364 days a year: always make sure your pet has proper identification. If for any reason your pet escapes and becomes lost, a collar and tags and/or a microchip can save her life.
