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A Happy Howl-o-ween
Keeping Your Pet Safe on This Spooky Holiday
By Shel Franco
Most of us have heard some sort of horror story about Halloween and pets. Some of us have even seen firsthand how animals can become victims on this spooky holiday. Whether a black cat is the target of some pranksters or a dog gets lost in the mayhem of the night, animals need special care on Halloween.
"When we were kids, my brother and I used to take our dog with us when we went trick-or-treating," says Mary Larston, mother of one. "I tried to continue the tradition with my daughter but too many older kids bother the dog when we take him out. They hide behind masks and think they're untouchable on Halloween."
To keep your favorite four-legged friends safe, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) says the best thing to do is keep them inside. "Confine, segregate or otherwise prepare household pets for an evening of frightful sights and sounds," the LAFD says. And if you do take them out, "Be sure that all dogs and cats are wearing collars and proper identification tags."
One serious Halloween hazard is the jack o' lantern. Pets are naturally curious and may try to investigate lit pumpkins and either be burned or knock them over. Therefore, it's vital to keep pets away from these items. "Always keep jack o' lanterns and hot electric lamps far away from drapes, decorations, flammable materials or areas where children and pets will be standing or walking," the LAFD says.
"We keep our dog on a leash in the kitchen while we trick-or-treat, and then also when we give out candy to kids that come by our house," Larston says. "There's no need to stress the dog out since he has no idea what's going on anyway."
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) notes that Halloween can be a traumatic and even dangerous time for pets. Jacque Schultz, director of companion animal services for the ASPCA, offers some tips to protect your pet on Halloween:
