Happy Halloween from Columbus Humane! As you have fun this Holiday, here are some Tricks and Treats to keep your pets safe.

Tricks

Halloween Decorations

Halloween decorations often include materials harmful to your pets if ingested. Many of your pets see halloween decorations like fake spider webs, plastic pumpkins and glow sticks as something to play with or chew. Watch your pets to make sure plastic and other hazardous materials are not ingested this time of year.

Candy

We know sharing your favorite snacks with your four-legged best friend is fun, but a lot of candy can be harmful to your pets if swallowed. Chocolate is especially toxic. It’s best to leave the human candy to humans and have a pet safe treat on standby for your pet.

Costumes

As much as we have fun dressing up, your pets do not feel the same about Halloween costumes. Columbus Humane recommends not dressing up your pet for Halloween and leaving them at home during trick-or-treat. Costumes can be scary to your pets and cause unintentional stress to your best friends. If your festive spirit is bubbling over this time of year and you do dress up your pet, make sure the costumes fit appropriately and do not impede vision or motion.

Treats

Pet Safe Treats

While candy is not good for your pets, another tasty fall snack is– Pumpkin! You can include your pets in Halloween by buying or making pumpkin treats!. Our friends at Hollywood Feed make and sell delicious treats in a variety of fall flavors. Check them out!

Calm Your Pet

Even pets kept indoors may experience increased anxiety this time of year with the extra visitors to your house, consistent opening of the door and strangely dressed guests. Dedicate a space in your home that is quiet and allows your pet the opportunity to retreat if they need to. Provide your pet with an activity in their safe space to bide the time. Talk to your veterinarian about other alternatives in providing a calm environment for your pet.

ID Your Pet

Halloween is a time of year where shelters see an increased number of pets go missing. With the extra excitement spreading your attention thin, it’s much easier to lose track of your best friend this holiday season. To help in situations like that, make sure your pet is wearing proper identification with updated contact information for a quicker reunion.

Lastly, remember to have fun!