Halloween is only a few days away. This is an exciting time for children as they get prepared for the fun evening of trick-or-treating. While parents usually give considerable attention to their children and their safety, often pets aren’t given the same considerations. Please take the time to read the following and keep your animal companions safe from potential Halloween hazards.

Keep Pets Indoors
It is a good idea to keep pets indoors during Halloween where they will be safe from pranksters, some of whom are cruel to animals, and other dangers. As well, many pets may become frightened and/or aggressive with all of the noise, commotion and costumes. While children often want to include family pets in the activities, Halloween is one occasion where four-legged companions should be left in a safe location indoors. According to Dr. Merry Crimi, American Animal Hospital Association veterinarian and past president, "Each Halloween, veterinarians around the country see scores of pet injuries that could have been easily avoided. Pet owners should keep in mind that pets don’t need the excitement of a holiday. They are creatures of habit and can become very stressed when their environment suddenly changes. This may be one holiday that pets should sit out."

Pets should be kept in rooms away from the door and all of the noisy trick-or-treaters and the constant ringing of the doorbell. Besides keeping the animals from becoming excited or agitated by the costumed children, keeping pets contained in other rooms prevents them from dashing outside.

Keep Pets Away From Decorations
Pets must not be able to access Halloween decorations that are potentially dangerous. Decorations such as streamers and plastic spiders can be easily chewed up and eaten. Animals who get near lit candles, including the one in the pumpkin, can get burned or start a fire.

Don’t Put Pets in Costumes
Refrain from dressing pets in costumes. Animals don’t like wearing these constrictive items and some can be harmful. Rubber bands mistakenly left on the animal can cut into her skin.

Animals & Candies Don’t Mix
Don’t give any candies to pets - and tell your children not to share their candies with their four-legged friends. All candies should be inaccessible to animals. Candy can cause stomach upset and chocolate is toxic to pets and can even be fatal for them. Wrapped candies that are ingested by an animal may not dissolve and can cause an obstruction or irritation. If you think that your animal companion has consumed some candy, consult your veterinarian immediately.

Identification is Important
No matter how careful we are, sometimes our animal companions get loose. Make sure that your pets have good identification like a personalized tag and a microchip implant.

Educate Others
Taking the time to ensure our pet’s safety is important. But please take the time to educate others about keeping their four-legged family members safe at Halloween.

Halloween is a fun time for children. But it can be a stressful and dangerous time for our animal companions. By paying attention to potential dangers and taking the appropriate actions we can help ensure that our four-legged family members are kept safe and secure.