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From the Humane Society of Ventura County
Halloween is just around the corner, and while it’s a fun holiday for humans, it can be a stressful and even dangerous time for pets. Follow these tips to keep your furry friends safe this Halloween:
- Candy: Trick-or-treat is for humans, not pets. Keep all candy out of reach and educate children in the home about the dangers of feeding candy to animals. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and seizures. If your pet consumes candy, contact your veterinarian immediately.
- Costumes: Don’t force your pet to wear a costume unless you’re sure they’re comfortable. What may seem cute to you could be overwhelming for them. Ensure costumes don’t block their vision or breathing and avoid constricting movement. Check for any small parts, like buttons or tassels, which could be irritating or pose a choking hazard.
- Keep pets indoors: Don’t leave pets in the yard on Halloween. Pranksters may tease or harm animals, leading to injury or worse. Before festivities begin, place your pets in a quiet, secure room away from the door. This helps reduce anxiety and prevents pets from escaping when trick-or-treaters arrive.
- Black cats: Black cats are particularly at risk of harm around Halloween. As a precaution, bring black cats indoors several days before and after the holiday.
- Candles, wires, and cords: Keep pets away from candles to prevent burns or accidental fires. Wires and electrical cords can also pose serious risks. If chewed on, pets can suffer life-threatening electrical shocks.
- ID tags: Ensure your pets are wearing current ID tags and verify their microchip information is up to date. Proper identification is crucial to reuniting lost pets with their owners. The Humane Society of Ventura County offers free ID tags through Halloween, and microchipping is available for $25, including registration. Call 805-646-6505 to schedule this service.
By following these tips, you can help your pets enjoy a safe and stress-free Halloween!
