Halloween is quickly approaching! While it’s a holiday filled with fun and special treats, some family members might require extra attention: pets.
SPCA Tampa Bay’s Corey Price is sharing five quick tips that pet parents can keep in mind this Saturday to ensure pets remain safe and comfortable. For background, Corey is executive vice president and COO at SPCA Tampa Bay and has more than 20 years of experience in animal welfare.
Please feel free to share these tips with your audience. SPCA Tampa Bay wishes everyone a safe and spooky Halloween!
Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe and Comfortable on Halloween
- Keep candy out of reach: While candy is a treat for the kids (and adults!) many types can be harmful to animals. For example, chocolate and sugar-free candy containing xylitol are toxic to dogs. Secure all candy bowls and remind guests not to share treats with pets.
- Keep pet ID tags current: Frequent door openings and guests increase the risk of pets slipping outside. Ensure ID tags and microchips are up to date in case a pet sneaks out.
- Create a “safe zone”: Costumes, strangers and loud noises can be overwhelming. If an animal is known to be nervous around strangers or other animals, set up a room where the they can relax away from the crowd.
- Watch for decorative hazards: Halloween decorations are fun, but they can be a danger to pets. Artificial spider webs can become entangled around pets and small decorations, glow sticks and batteries can be choking or poisoning hazards if ingested. Keep decorations where pets can’t reach them.
- Be visible if walking: If a pet joins the trick-or-treat fun, make sure they wear reflective gear, light-up collars, or leash lights. Also stay alert for candy and decorations on the sidewalks.
Find local adoptable pets, enter SPCA Tampa Bay’s photo contest, learn how you can get involved and more at https://spcatampabay.org/.