Keep animals safe as the Halloween spirit takes hold

Halloween can be a spooky holiday for humans and zombies alike, and also for companion animals and wildlife.

While creepy costumes, candlelit jack-o’-lanterns, larger-than-life inflatable lawn decorations and neverending supplies of candy are fun for kids and adults, those same things can scare pets and harm animals in the wild.

With those things in mind, the San Diego Humane Society and American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals are sharing some tips for the holiday to keep the four-legged ones safe:

• Keep pets inside away from the flurry of trick-or-treaters coming to the door and from other Halloween activities. To further reduce stress levels, consider keeping pets in an enclosed room with their favorite toys and with the television or radio on. This tactic can soothe pets that are anxious around crowds.
• Excessive ringing of the doorbell can make some dogs bark and raise their stress levels. Consider leaving a note on your door asking trick-or-treaters to lightly knock rather than ring the doorbell.
• Chocolate and other ingredients such as the sugar substitute xylitol can be toxic to animals, so keep candy where pets — especially dogs, with their keen sense of smell — won’t be able to get into it. Wrappers and foil can also be a choking hazard to animals.
• Small toys or costume accessories pose a choking hazard to pets, and the plastic can be toxic. Keep items like these out of paws’ reach.
• Don’t make pets wear costumes unless you’re sure they enjoy it. The Humane Society recommends a simple Halloween bandana as a comfortable alternative.
• Keep jack-o’-lanterns with flames out of reach of pets, or use flameless candles to prevent curious pets from getting burned.
• Use caution with fake cobwebs and other decorations that could be choking hazards for pets, and could inadvertently catch wildlife.
• Avoid decorations with loops or closed circles, as foraging animals can inadvertently put their heads through a loop or circle and choke themselves while seeking a meal.
• Halloween decorations on lawns can frighten dogs, so opt to let them observe at a distance and not force them to approach.

The groups both advise making sure your pets are microchipped and wearing tags with a current ID. Opening the door repeatedly for trick-or-treaters creates plenty of escape opportunities.

If your pet does go missing, a pet ID and microchip will help ensure a quick reunion. Microchips are offered at San Diego Humane Society’s El Cajon, Escondido, Oceanside and San Diego campuses for $25. To schedule an appointment, visit sdhumane.org/microchip.

In addition, if you suspect that your pet has ingested something toxic, immediately call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.