Halloween Hazards for your Dog

Keeping your fur children safe on Halloween should be a priority along with keeping your human children safe.

Here are some tips from the ASPCA:

- Avoid giving your dog candy. Chocolate is bad for dogs and should not be given anytime of the year. Candy that contains the artificial sweetener xylitol can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, which can lead to depression, lack of coordination, and seizures. Make sure to the candy in a place where your dogs can not get into it.

-Make sure that you and your children clean up the candy wrappers. Cats will think these are great toys, but wrappers made of aluminum foil or cellophane can cause intestinal blockage and induce vomiting.

-Keep your pets in another closed room during trick or treating hours. The multiple openings of the door can be a perfect opportunity for your dog or cat to run out of the door. Make sure your dog or cat is wearing identification in case they would get out.

-If you are using dog Halloween costumes, make sure that they don't limit their movement, sight, hearing, or ability to breath and drink water. Bandanas work great for those dogs that don't want to wear a costume. Also remember that other children in costumes may scare your dog and cause them to act differently then they normally would.

-Be very careful with jack o' lanterns and other decorations that have candles. Pets can easily knock these over and start a fire. Just like any other electrical cords, cords from decorations can be very harmful if chewed on.

Look into an area dog daycare, many may have Halloween specials where they can spend the trick or treating time. They will be safe and have fun too!