Whether you are the type of pet owner who takes their pet “trick or treating” in their own special costume or perhaps are a little less zealous, you should take certain precautions with your pet at Halloween.  On the big day keep your pet indoors.  This is especially true if own a black cat!  Your pet is more likely to be frightened on Halloween because of all the extra commotion in the neighborhood, and, unfortunately, more likely to be the victim of someone’s cruel joke.

It is also a good idea to confine your dog or cat to one room in the house before the “trick or treaters” start their trek through the neighborhood.  This will eliminate any bites to the children from a protective dog and prevent your pet from getting out of the house.  Be sure your furry friends have their collar and tags on in case they are able to escape.

Finally, do not give candy to your pets.  As you probably know, chocolate can be fatal to a pet.  The candy should be kept where the pets cannot reach it.  A bag on the kitchen counter will not suffice.  Remember, an animal’s nose is much more sensitive than a humans.  Your pet will know the candy is on the counter, and if they are large or agile enough, they will reach it.  Based upon the cases I have seen, pets can often outsmart their owners and retrieve the treats.  If you suspect that your pet has eaten the Halloween candy, do not wait to see if it will get better.  Assuming the candy included chocolate, your pet needs to see a veterinarian immediately to administer an antidote.  Waiting could have serious consequences for your pet.

Since everyone else in the household will be indulging in treats, I would suggest a healthy treat for your pet.  We recommend CET Chews as well as various Hill’s/Science Diet treats for your pet.

Certain of the information in this article was gratefully derived from the SPCA of Texas.