Halloween safety tips for pets

Halloween can be a fun and festive time for children and families - but for pets it can be a downright nightmare. For all the fun it offers for kids, Halloween can be unsettling and even dangerous for pets. Here are some common-sense precautions to keep in mind for your furry friend's safety this weekend.

Not only will your door be constantly opening and closing on Halloween, but ghosts and goblins intending to look scary that come to your door may actually be frightening to your pet. Your pet doesn't understand why so many masked or creepy creatures are heading to their home, and these costumed kids will be full of energy and yelling out for candy. This, of course, is scary for your four-legged family members.

BrightSide Animal Center Executive Director Chris Bauersfeld reveals her concerns about pets and Halloween.

"Pets are protective of their home and can get freaked out when kids are in costumes. It's a prime time when dogs and cats can get out of their house with all the restless anxious energy that they feel right before Halloween. Kids get very excited around Halloween and animals sense this. Dogs are especially territorial and may become anxious and growl at trick-or-treaters," Bauersfeld says.

Pets may do unpredictable things when they're scared, so keep them tucked away in a quiet and safe room on Halloween. Even if your pets are used to being outdoors, keep them indoors on Halloween night - especially black cats.

Black cats have long served as objects of superstition. They were considered bringers of bad luck and curses to any human they came near, and were associated with witchcraft. For years there have been concerns - though it's based on little more than hearsay - that black cats are sought out on Halloween and can be at risk from pranksters.

During the week of Halloween, calls to the veterinarians at Pet Poison Helpline increase by 12 percent. Most of the calls involve pets accidently ingesting candy. Of all candy, chocolate is one of the most toxic to pets. Many dogs are attracted to the smell and taste of chocolate, making it a significant threat. Some candies contain the artificial sweetener xylitol, and it can also be poisonous to pets, so keep Halloween candy well out of the reach of pets at all times.

Halloween decorations such as candles and jack-o'-lanterns can also be a hazard when they are within your dog or cat's range. Wagging tails and frightened cats zooming through the house can easily tip over a candle or carved pumpkin, causing burns or a fire.

Always make sure your dog or cat has proper identification. If for any reason your pet escapes and becomes lost, a collar and tags can be a lifesaver, increasing the chances that he will be returned to you.

"It's basic advice, but we tend to forget that it could be really dangerous for our pets with all the excitement in the air, let's keep them safe," said Bauersfeld.

Do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian or the 24-hour Pet Poison Helpline immediately at 1-800-213-6680 if you suspect that your furry friend has ingested something or might be injured.