How To Keep Your Pet Safe On Halloween

Halloween can be a fun holiday to enjoy with your pet, as long as you're safe. Follow these safety tips to keep even the furry members of your family safe on Oct. 31.

Exercise Your Pet Early

Take your dog to the dog park, or for a long walk, early before trick-or-treaters arrive. Giving your dog a lot of exercise will help tire them out before the excitement of the evening. It will also get them off the streets early so they're not distracted -- or spooked -- by large groups of kids in costumes.

Accessorize Your Pet With Safety Gear

If you're taking your pet with you trick-or-treating, make sure to use reflective leashes and collars. If your pet is wearing a costume, also try to attach reflective material -- or even a safety vest -- to its attire. Also, make sure your pet is wearing an ID tag in case it runs off during the night. It's also a good idea to keep a collar and an ID tag on your pet even if it's staying home, just in case it escapes out the door while trick-or-treaters are visiting.

Keep Your Pet Away From Chocolate

Chocolate can be very dangerous to pets if consumed in large quantities. Keep all candy in places your pet doesn't have access to, and try to give your pet a large meal or several treats before you start celebrating Halloween so they'll be less tempted to get at the candy. If your pet does consume large quantities of chocolate, call your vet immediately.

Prevent Scary Encounters

Pets get alarmed enough when the doorbell sounds, but the jolt is even bigger on Halloween when there is a group of strangers standing outside the door. Kids might also be wearing costumes and masks that might frighten your pet. To prevent scaring your pet, or even potential unwanted interaction between your pet and trick-or-treaters, consider keeping your pet in a room where you can close them in and keep them away from the children at the door when needed.