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Pet safety: Halloween
By Wes Borgman DVM


Oct 29, 2005 Halloween is a time for tricks and treats, costumes and fun. Planning
ahead now can keep your pet safe this Halloween session.

It is a good idea to keep pets indoors to protect pets from pranks or
other problems. Black cats may be especially vulnerable. To prevent
stress from the doorbell constantly ringing with strangers coming by
in costumes and masks, most dogs and cats should be kept in a separate
room during peak trick-or-treat visiting hours. When opening the door
for trick-or-treaters, take care that your cat or dog doesn't dart
outside.

Not all pets like costumes. Most pets prefer their "birthday suit,"
as wearing a costume can cause undue stress.  If you do dress up your
pet, make sure the costume does not impede their ability to breathe.
Do not leave pets unattended while in costume to prevent chewing and
possible ingestion of costume accessories.

If you walk your dog while neighbors are trick-treating, use a sturdy
collar and leash. Costumes and excitement of Halloween can cause your
dog anxiety. Even well behaved animal could bite if they feel
threatened.

Exercise caution around Halloween displays. Keep wires and cords from
electric lights and other decorations out of reach of your pets. Pets
can cause a fire by knocking over candles in carved pumpkins. Curious
kittens especially run the risk of getting burned or singed by candle
flames. While pumpkins and decorative corn are considered to be
relatively nontoxic, they can produce gastrointestinal upset should
pets ingest them.

Lastly, keep all candy out of your pet's reach. In small doses,
chocolate can cause seizures, muscle tremors and vomiting to name a
few symptoms. Tin foil and cellophane candy wrappers can be hazardous
if swallowed.  If you suspect your pet has ingested a potentially
dangerous substance, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal
Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

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 Dr. Wes Borgman is the veterinarian and owner of the Seminole Animal
Hospital in Sanford. He can be reached at 407-330-7387.