How to keep your pets safe this Halloween
Oct 25, 2022, 3:43 PM | Updated: 9:10 pm
(Humane Society of Utah)
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.