Courtesy of Faith

It's time for trickin' and treatin' and that also means it's time to watch out for ghosts, goblins, and keeping your pets safe.

Pet safety is very important to me, especially during holidays with hazards to your pet like Fourth of July, Christmas and Halloween. The ASPCA recommends taking some common sense precautions with your pets this Halloween, so here are a few tips on keeping them safe. 

1. No Tricks or Treats

That bowl of candy is for trick-or-treaters, not for your pet. And I know you've heard this before, but chocolate in all forms—especially dark or baking chocolate—can be very dangerous for dogs and cats. Candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can also cause problems. If you do suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please call your vet or the Animal Emergency Clinic in Bloomington at 665-5020

2. Hide All Wires And Cords

You probably put up lots of decorations and lights for Halloween, so just make sure to keep them out of reach for your pets. If chewed, your pet might suffer cuts or burns, or receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock.

3. Safe Pet Costumes

Make sure your pet costume contest is safe and that it doesn't cause problems for their breathing, hearing, or movement. Sometimes pets can be allergic to certain materials, or even become distressed by wearing something different. If your pet seems distressed, allergic or shows abnormal behavior, consider not dressing them up.

4. Lit up Jack-O-Lanterns

I have 2 big dogs and they are always knocking things over with their tales. A carved pumpkin certainly is festive, but be careful if you choose to add a candle. Pets can easily knock a lit pumpkin over and cause a fire. Curious kittens especially run the risk of getting burned or singed by candle flames.

5. Keep pets away from strangers

All but the most social dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room away from the front door during peak trick-or-treating hours. Too many strangers can be scary and stressful for pets.

6. ID your Pets

This is something that should happen for your pets year round, but make sure to have proper identification for your pets and a microchip. If they get scared and escape from you this might be the only way they can be properly identified and returned to you.  

I love my dogs and don't know what I would do without them. Please make sure to keep them safe and follow these tips. For more pet safety ideas click 

For more pet safety tips for Halloween Click Here. 

Written By Faith Rinker B-104