#Halloween is a fun time for adults and children alike, but it can be a traumatic and even dangerous time for your pets.
#Seattle Animal Shelter director Don Jordan offers the following tips to keep Halloween from being a fright for pets and trick-or-treaters:
#•Don’t leave your pets out in the yard on Halloween — There are too many stories of vicious pranksters who have teased, injured, stolen or even killed pets on this night.
#•When going out trick-or-treating, leave your pets at home. — Pets can be easily excited by the Halloween activity.
#•Trick-or-treat candies are not for pets. — Chocolate is poisonous to dogs, and tin foil and cellophane candy wrappers can be hazardous if swallowed.
#Store treats in a high cabinet secured with a lock or child-safety latch.
#•Watch out for the “lethal wagging tails” or curious kittens near lit pumpkins and other flames. — Pets can knock them over and cause a fire or burn injuries to your pet and people.
#•Don’t dress your animals in costumes unless you know they love it. — If you do dress them up, be careful not to obstruct their vision, as even the sweetest dogs can get snappy when they can’t see what’s going on around them.
#•Keep your dog(s) in a separate room during trick-or-treat visiting hours, as too many strangers in strange garb can be scary for a dog. — If you are having an indoor party, keep pets in a room where they won’t be disturbed or frightened by costumes.
#•Make certain your pet is wearing a pet license in case your cat or dog darts out through an open door.