Tips to keep pets happy and safe

While you and your family have fun on Halloween, your dog or cat may be miserable. Here’s how to keep them safe:

• Keep pets safely inside, away from trick-or-treaters and other Halloween festivities. Don’t leave your pet unattended in the back yard.

• Confine your cat, especially if it’s black or mostly black, indoors for several days before and after Halloween. Black cats can be the targets of pranks this time of year.

• Be sure all pets are wearing collars with identification tags. Frequently opened doors provide a perfect opportunity for escape.

• Keep candy out of your pet’s reach; it can be harmful to pets, and chocolate is toxic to dogs, cats and ferrets.

• Keep pets away from decorations. Candle flames can quickly singe, burn or set fire to a pet’s fur.

•Pets can become tangled in hanging decorations like streamers and can choke on some decorations if they chew on them.

• Resist the urge to put your furry friend in costume. Most pets dislike the confinement of costumes and masks; flowing capes can cause injuries if pets get caught on something.

• Don’t bring the family dog along for trick-or-treating. Dogs may become difficult to handle in the dark if it gets noisy. A lost dog or a dog bite will end your Halloween fun.

• Do not allow guests at your Halloween party to give animals alcohol.

Source: Humane Society of the United States.