HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS FOR YOUR PET

There's no Halloween without fun costumes and lots of candy, but before you and Fido gear up to participate in this year's festivities, there are a couple of things you should keep in mind to ensure the safety of your pet. Heidi Ganahl, the CEO and Founder of Camp Bow Wow, has provided a series of tips below to show you how to enjoy your night out while protecting your pet.

1. Fido may look adorable in his new superhero costume, but that cape won't necessarily keep him out of harm's way. Dressing up your pet for Halloween can be harmful. Costumes should not constrict the animal's movement, hearing or sight, or impede their ability to breathe, bark or meow. Also, it may be helpful to try on costumes before the big night. If your pet seems distressed or shows abnormal behavior, don't bother.

2. Before you and Fido participate in any Halloween activities, take a closer look at his costume and make sure it does not have small, dangling or easily chewed-off pieces that he could choke on. Also, watch out for ill-fitting outfits which can get twisted on external objects or your pet, leading to injury.

3. Putting make-up or face paint on your pet can be harmful. Paints could potentially irritate their skin, or may be eaten. Even make-up that is non-toxic could cause stomachaches or worse.

4. Candy bags are strictly for the enjoyment of trick-or-treaters, not your pet. Chocolate in all forms, especially dark or baking chocolate, can be very dangerous for dogs and cats. Give your pooch their own Halloween candy by treating them to their favorite doggy snack. If you do suspect that your pet has ingested something toxic, please call your veterinarian or your local control center immediately.

5. Keep an eye out for decorative edible items like Halloween pumpkins and candy corn, when participating in this year's festivities with your pet. While these are considered to be relatively nontoxic, they can be harmful, causing stomach upset in pets who nibble on them.

6. Do not take your pets trick or treating. It's possible that your dog could get spooked by a ghost or goblin and a dog bite or fight could occur.

Click here for more information on Camp Bow Wow.

See Also:

Etiquette Tips: Ensure Your Kid's Monster Costume Doesn't Reflect His Behavior this Halloween

Fun and Easy Halloween Recipes to Make with the Kids: Bewitching Cocoa Bites