Howl-O-Ween Tips For Pet Owners

Halloween can be a lot of fun for people, but it often is not for our pets.

Before everything starts, put your pets in a quiet, safe place, away from all the activity.

Put the candy and treats in a safe place unreachable by your pets.

Make sure that they are identifiable. Check collars and leashes. Are their tags on their collars and do they have updated information? If you think your dog might not approach a stranger, write your phone number in large, easy to read numbers on their collar. Are your pets microchipped? Is your current information registered with your microchip company?

The things that we wear or put on (face makeup, masks, costumes, etc) change the way we look and even smell. That can cause your pet to be afraid. Then you run the risk of them trying to run away or even attacking what's making them scared.

If you're going trick or treating, leave your dog at home in a safe, quiet place. All the activity could cause them to panic, and the last thing you want is to end your night early because of a dog bite or them running away.

If you have outdoor pets, bring them inside before nightfall, if possible. Otherwise make sure they are in a protected, safe place.

PET COSTUMES

Know your pet. Some enjoy the attention and don't mind the silly things we do to them.

Others do not.

If they are obviously uncomfortable or unhappy that you've dressed them up, then please don't do that to them, or remove their costume after you've taken some pictures.

Some signs that they are unhappy are when they tuck or fold their ears back, yawning, tucked tail, “whale eye” (when you can see the whites of their eyes), turning their head or body away from you (avoiding), hunching their body, and licking their lips.

Pick a costume that won't obstruct their vision, be too tight, or have dangly pieces that could trip them or tie up their legs.

Remember that dogs circle, and they circle faster when they think their legs are being restrained. They are much faster than we are and your dog could hurt him/herself very quickly if they panic.

Look for parts on the costume that could be choking hazards for your pet and take them off.

These illustrations from Lili Chin at www.doggiedrawings.net shows what to look for in dogs and cats who are stressed ...