Prepping Pets for Halloween
Holiday Can Pose Many Risks for Pets and Owners
Halloween is a festive time of the year; neighborhoods are bustling with activity, candy is easily accessible, and dangers abound for pets. Santa Barbara County Animal Services wants to help you have a Happy Halloween by reminding you that this can be a dangerous time for pets. Pet owners can take the following steps to ensure their pet’s safety.
1.) Keep pets safe inside your house or garage. This will ensure that pets won’t become frightened or feel threatened by costume clad children or adults. Cats, especially black ones, may be the target of cruel pranksters so it is especially important that they be confined in the house or garage for safety.
2.) Be sure all pets are wearing collars with ID tags. Frequently opened doors provide a perfect opportunity for escape. A tag is your pet’s ticket home.
3.) Keep candy out of your pet’s reach. Candy can be harmful and in some cases deadly to pets. Chocolate is toxic to both cats and dogs. Candy wrappers may have tasty leftovers on them and if ingested can cause serious injury to your pets digestive system.
4.) Use Halloween decorations with caution. Make sure that pets cannot become entangled in cords or other hanging decorations. Pumpkin can be a tempting treat to animals. The flame from a jack-o-lantern or candles can quickly singe, burn, or set fire to your pet’s fur. We recommend that you use artificial flames to decorate your home.
5.) Leave Fido at home. Dogs may become difficult to handle during the noise and confusion of the Halloween festivities. A dog may run away or bite which will quickly end your Halloween fun.
Santa Barbara County Animals Services wishes you a safe and happy Halloween and reminds you state law requires all dogs over four months of age to be licensed. Should your pet get lost this Halloween be sure to stop by your local animal shelter in Santa Maria, Lompoc, or Santa Barbara to check for them.
