How to Keep Your Pet Safe on Halloween

Halloween can be scary for your pet. They could get lost (and have a run-in with a vampire) or get injured (from a werewolf).

Seriously, though, we want you looking out for your pet while you're having fun. Here are some simple steps to make Halloween more of a treat than a trick on your pet:

• Make sure your pet is wearing a collar and ID tag. Opening the door for trick-or-treaters gives them plenty of opportunities to run outside unexpectedly.
• Keep candy away from them. You probably know that chocolate is bad for a pet, but the sweetener xylitol, used in candy in gum, can also be toxic.
• If you dress up your pet, make sure he or she can see clearly to avoid injury.
• Be smart decorating.
  • Candles can light fur on fire
  • Low hanging stringed-lights can tangle up your cat or dog.
  • Fake cobwebs are a choking hazard, especially to birds.

Chances are you want to protect your pet on other days of the year too. Check out more ways to help animals all year long.

Resources provided and consulted by The Humane Society of the United States.