How to keep your pets safe this Halloween

MURRAY, Utah — Halloween can be a fun, spooky time, but it can also be a stressful holiday for our furry friends.

Here are some tips, courtesy of the Humane Society of Utah, on how to keep your pets safe:

• Know which holiday treats are safe for your pet and which are not
  • Keep pets away from anything containing chocolate or xylitol (sometimes called “birch sugar”)
• Don’t allow children to store their Halloween candy stash in their room as pets have very strong noses and can likely find even the most carefully hidden treats
  • Keep candy up high and stored securely out of paws reach
• Don’t put up decorations that put your pets at unease in locations where they will routinely come across them as loud noises and spooky animatronics can be scary
  • Also, avoid taking pets to areas where these types of decorations are present, such as local Halloween displays
• Don’t leave pets outdoors and unattended on Halloween night
• Make sure pets have microchips and ID tags with up-to-date information in the case that they get spooked and escape
• Keep pets away from Jack-o’-lanterns, candles and glow sticks
  • Pets can potentially burn themselves on candles or tip them over and cause a fire
  • Glow sticks, though typically non-toxic, have a bitter taste, which may cause a negative reaction by any pets who decide to chew on them
• Know your pet before deciding to put them into a costume as the experience may cause undue stress and even injury
  • “Pets should never be in a situation where they are uncomfortable or fearful as that can create a situation where the pet has to protect themselves by growling or biting,” said Anjela Sullenger, HSU’s behavior and training manager.