Cedar Rapids Animal Care & Control Advises Pet Owners on How to Keep Their Pets Safe on Halloween

Halloween poses special hazards due to frequently opened doors, door bells and excessive noise which can be frightening to pets, and- most importantly- chocolate and other candies which are toxic to animals. 

Here are a few Halloween pet safety tips to ensure that your best friends are kept safe:

• Make sure your pets are wearing identification at all times. With that front door continuously opening and closing for trick-or-treaters, there is a chance they could run out - especially if they're spooked.
• Give your pets a quiet, safe place on Halloween. Scary parties, constant doorbell ringing or too many strangers in your home can be stressful to your four-legged friends and even make them physically ill.
• Halloween candy, wrappers and decorations should be kept out of your pets' reach. Chocolate can be toxic to animals, and many sugar-free candy, gum and baked products today contain xylitol, a sweetener that is toxic to dogs. If you suspect that your pet has ingested any amount of xylitol, call your veterinarian immediately.   Tinfoil, cellophane, plastic candy wrappers and party supplies can be hazardous if swallowed.
• Keep lighted pumpkins out of your pet's reach. Pets can knock them over, and curious kittens especially run the risk of being burned.
• Keep all electrical cords and wires out of your pet's reach. Halloween decorations are a great way to celebrate the holiday but can be harmful and even deadly to your pets should they chew on or ingest them.
• Unfortunately, there can be tricks in addition to treats on Halloween. Keep your pets inside so that they will not be the target of pranksters who might tease, injure, steal and even seriously harm pets on this night.
• Costumes are fun for people, but not necessarily for your pets. Don't dress up your pet unless you know they enjoy it. Make sure the costume isn't annoying or unsafe, and doesn't restrict movement, vision, hearing or ability to breathe or bark. Avoid costumes with small or dangling accessories that the pet could chew off and possibly choke on, and make sure that costumed pets are supervised at all times.
• It's never a good idea to take your pet trick-or-treating. Dogs may become excited and uncontrollable, and if frightened may bite. For their protection, cats should be kept indoors at all times.

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