Plan for a PURRRfect HOWL-een

Halloween is fun for kids of all ages, but it poses particular concerns for our pets.  With a little bit of planning and preparation, however, you can ensure your pet survives Halloween haunting stress-free.

Gobbled Goodies:
While it is not recommended that you take your pet trick-or-treating with you (see reasons below), there will be those pets that will show up at your door accompanying little trick-or-treaters.  It is a nice gesture to keep a special bowl of dog treats for those costumed canines that may visit.

All candy should be kept out of reach of Fido and Fluffy to eliminate temptation and children should be taught not to share Halloween "bounty" with their pet.  Tin foil, lollipop sticks and cellophane wrappers can be hazardous if swallowed so make sure Halloween goody bags are not left on the floor where a pet can get into them.  If swallowed, these items can cause intestinal obstructions and could perforate the intestines. 

Chocolate in all forms can be very dangerous for dogs and cats causing vomiting, restlessness, heart disturbances, and even death. If you notice excessive drooling, excessive urination, pupil dilation, rapid heartbeat, vomiting and diarrhea, hyperactivity, muscle tremors and seizures or coma call your vet right away!

Better safe than sorry…
Halloween is designed to be scary, but for your pet it can also be confusing, stressful, and overwhelming.  Don’t set up your pet to fail – leave them at home. 
•    Pets that are easily excitable or threatened by strangers should be kept away from the front door to keep them from biting or running into the street. Set up a barrier between your pet and the door so if they do make a dash to the door you will have time to catch them. 
•    Take your dog out for their walk early on, preferably before dark, so that they can miss the crowds of costumed characters.
•    Pets may become nervous and upset by a non-stop ringing doorbell, doors opening and closing, or the commotion of a constant stream of strange-looking visitors.  Crating Fido, or locking your pet in a quiet room may be the kindest thing you can do.  A favourite chew toy or blanket may help ease the slight of being banned from the action.

Even if your pet is up for a fun night of trick-or-treating you will want to keep these tips in mind:
•    Keep them on a very short leash to keep them from fighting with other scared or wary animals or biting strangers that may think it fun to scare your trick-or-treater.
•    Be sure the dog has a legible ID tag.  If you do get separated it will be easier to ensure your pet’s return.
•    Use a glow-in-the-dark type collar to ensure your pet can be seen to traffic.

Costumed Critters:
Playing dress-up is not for all pets.  While you may think it is cute, it can be a stressor (or an aggressor) for some pets.  Please don’t put your pet in a costume unless you know he or she loves it.  And yes, some really do like the attention.

When dressing your pet, be sure to follow these safety tips:
•    A costume should not interfere with your pet’s vision, hearing, breathing or barking.  Masks are never a good idea.
•    Check the fit around the neckline to ensure it's not too tight.
•    Watch for chewing, pawing, or signs of discomfort while wearing a costume.
•    Choose a lightweight fabric that won't cause them to become over-heated.
•    Avoid rubber bands which can cut off the animal's circulation or, if accidentally left on, cut into the animal's skin.
•    Never use beads, dangling accessories or other small objects on a costume. Like with small children, you do not want anything to hang off the costume that they could trip on or chew and swallow. 
•    Can the pet move about safely?  The costume should not drag on the floor.  Be sure your pet can walk without stepping on it.
•    Never leave a pet wearing any kind of costume alone and unattended.  They could chew it and ingest harmful materials or become entangled and choke.
•    If you see signs of stress, nervousness or anger, forget the costume idea.  Try a colourful Halloween print collar or bandana instead.

Festive Dangers for Pets:
•    Remember pets are capable of eating just about anything including decorations.  While much of this may not be toxic, it may cause stomach upset, and remember what goes in, must come out! 
•    Be cautious with lighted candles and jack o’lanterns that can be knocked over by pets. Dogs with large happy tails and curious pups could easily start a fire or spill hot wax. Curious cats can be fascinated by a flickering wick – be sure that Miss Kitty doesn’t burn her paws.
•    Don't leave your pet outside alone on Halloween, even in a fenced yard. The constant barrage of odd looking strangers will greatly upset your dog.  If, for any reason, your dog must be tied outdoors on Halloween, ensure the chain cannot reach areas where children might cut across your yard.
•    Do not leave dogs in cars. 
•    When walking dogs during or after Halloween, watch for bits of candy and wrappers on sidewalks and streets.

Perilous pranks hurt pets
Every Halloween, pets are also stolen, tormented, tortured, injured, or worse in malicious Halloween pranks. Halloween is a time when your pet should be kept safely inside your home. 

Cats should be kept indoors several days prior to (and on the night of) Halloween. We've all heard the horror stories of cats being tortured on this particular night.   Be especially watchful of black cats, as they are frequent targets of cruel activities on Halloween.  No matter how much Kitty is asking to go outside, absolutely keep your cat indoors.  If they roam free they become easy targets.  It is the loving thing to do.

Dog’s too become victims if left outside on Halloween night.  Many disappear as pranksters and those with darker intentions tease, abduct, torture, or even kill pets.

The Kitchener-Waterloo Humane Society wishes you and your pet a fun and safe Halloween.  Please plan ahead to make their night stress-free.

Kitchener-Waterloo Humane Society:

Since 1927, the Kitchener-Waterloo Humane Society (KWHS) has been responsible for the welfare of animals in the twin cities of Kitchener, Waterloo, and their surrounding communities.  KWHS is one of the largest humane societies in Ontario.  As a member of the community, our mission is to be a proactive leader in providing humane care through education, advocacy and enforcement to promote the well-being of all animals.

For more information, please contact Ward McAlister, Executive Director, or Kathy Innocente, Fundraising & Community Relations Manager at the Kitchener-Waterloo Humane Society at 519-745-5615.