Halloween is full of food, frights and festivities for families to enjoy, but for our pets, it’s a stressful and even dangerous time. Here are some common-sense tips from the Marin Humane Society for keeping our animal companions happy and safe this Halloween.


Keep your pets indoors

Make sure pets can’t escape during the commotion of frequent visits to your home. The sound of a knock or doorbell can easily alarm dogs; many react with an alert bark and rush to the door. Also, unaccustomed sights and sounds can be frightening for animals, and costumed trick-or-treaters may seem especially threatening. A nervous dog might feel threatened and growl or lunge. Pets will be happier — and safer — in a quiet room as far away from the front entrance as possible. Despite best efforts, accidental getaways do happen, so make sure that your pet is fitted with a collar and ID tag.

Outdoor cats, especially black cats, should be brought inside for this occasion. Unfortunately, black cats have been implicated in many beliefs and superstitions for centuries. The association of black cats with Halloween can be traced to the Druids of ancient Britain. Today, black cats are still the victims of vicious pranksters who tease, abuse or even kill. This is one night to make sure that your cat is brought indoors.


Dangerous decorations

Remember to keep holiday decorations out of harm’s way. Curious pets (and wagging tails) are at risk for getting burned or singed from candle flames, and may cause a fire from knocking over jack-o’-lanterns or other ornaments. Electrical wires are potentially hazardous; pets risk shock by chewing on wires or can become tangled and injured by dangling cords. Some decorations may cause stomach upset or may even be toxic if consumed. Fake cobwebs have been known to cause intestinal damage in cats.


Toxic tasty treats

Place the candy bowls out of paw’s reach and explain to well-meaning children that even though a dog or cat may beg for candy, it’s important not to share with them. Halloween candy is not good for pets and chocolate, in particular, could prove deadly for canines because it contains a potent toxin called theobromine. Chocolate is also poisonous to cats, but since they are usually picky eaters, it’s seldom a problem. If your pet ingests chocolate, consult your veterinarian immediately. The first signs of chocolate poisoning are vomiting and diarrhea, increased urination and rapid heartbeat.

Also caution family members not to leave candy wrappers on the floor. Wrappers can get stuck in animals’ digestive tracts and make them ill, or cause choking or death.


Costume care

Holiday pet parades and events have become increasingly popular, especially in the pet-loving Bay Area. While some animals do enjoy playing dress-up, others are downright miserable in costume. If your pets do like to dress up, make sure that the costumes don’t constrict their movement or ability to see, hear and breathe. Check that the costumes are flame retardant and non-toxic, and remove any small or dangling accessories that can be chewed and swallowed. Costumed pets should never be left unattended. And if they hate it — take it off! Don’t cause your pet any undue discomfort or stress.

Now get ready to trick or treat!

Carrie Harrington is the public information assistant at the Marin Humane Society.

Tails of Marin appears every Saturday in the Home & Garden section of the Marin Independent Journal