October 7, 2005

Ask the Animal Behavorist

It’s as simple as black and white: keep your pets safe and inside on Halloween

By Maureen Strenfel
Humane Society Silicon Valley

Halloween is one of the best holidays for kids, but it can be hard on pets. The good news is that by taking a few simple precautions, Halloween can be a “treat” for pets, instead of a tricky proposition.

Henry, a former shelter dog, poses next to a huge pumpkin.

Keep pets safely inside, away from trick-or-treaters and other Halloween activities. Too many strangers in strange garb can be scary for a dog or cat. This will ensure that pets won’t become frightened or feel threatened at the sight of costumed children. Pets will stay calmer if they are kept away from the door and there’s less of a chance that they will clip through your legs and run outside.

Make sure your pet is wearing proper identification. If for any reason your pet escapes and becomes lost, you increase the chances that he/she will be returned to you. If you have put off having your pet microchipped, get it done now. Animals that are microchipped are much more likely to be reunited with their owners if they become lost. The Humane Society Silicon Valley provides this service for $40.

Be sure that decorations are safely out of reach of your pets. Cats are particularly attracted by string-like decorations, including ribbons, streamers and Halloween spider webs. Items like confetti can fall to the floor and be eaten by cats or dogs, and may cause gastrointestinal obstructions or poisoning.

Both cats and dogs may be seriously frightened by decorations that offer unexpected surprises, including sound or movement. Again, keep your pets safely away from all the Halloween action … they would rather be left out than scared out of their wits!

Trick-or-treat candies are not for pets: Chocolate is poisonous to a lot of animals, and tin foil and cellophane wrappers can be hazardous if swallowed. Stock up on dog biscuits and catnip toys to give your pets for a special Halloween treat with no tricks attached!

Don’t dress the dog or cat in a costume unless you know he or she loves it. If you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume doesn’t obstruct the animal’s vision, constrict his movement, hearing or ability to breathe or bark.
Be careful of pets around a lit pumpkin or candles: Pets may knock these items over and cause a fire. Curious kittens especially run the risk of getting burned.

Keep your outdoor cats inside several days before and after Halloween: Black cats in particular may be at risk from children’s pranks or other cruelty-related incidents.

If you have further questions, you may contact the Humane Society Silicon Valley Behavior Help Line at (408) 727-3383 ext. 753 or fill out our online e-mail question form at: http://www.hssv.org/BEHAVIOR/ask.htm.