Sterling’s Animal Control Officer Lou Massa reminds residents that like most festive and fun occasions, Halloween carries the risk of danger or injury for family pets. Follow these tips to keep furry family members safe and happy.
Stash the treats
The candy bowl is for trick-or-treaters, not Scruffy or Fluffy. Many popular Halloween treats are toxic to pets. Chocolate in all forms—especially dark and baking chocolate—can be very dangerous for cats and dogs, and sugar-free candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can cause serious problems in pets.
Keep pets indoors
Don’t leave pets out in the yard on Halloween. Sadly, vicious pranksters have been known to tease, injure, steal, and even kill pets on Halloween night.
Keep them confined
Keep pets confined and away from doors leading outside. Not only will your door be constantly opening and closing on Halloween, but strangers dressed in unusual costumes and screaming for candy are scary for our furry friends. Dogs are especially territorial and may become anxious and growl at innocent trick-or-treaters. Putting your dog or cat in a secure room away from the front door will also prevent them from darting outside into the night.
Start early
Keep your outdoor cats inside for several days before and after Halloween. Black cats are especially at risk from pranks or other cruelty-related incidents. In fact, many shelters do not adopt out black cats during the month of October as a safety precaution.
If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 immediately.