Halloween can be a scary time for pets, with fireworks going off, a constantly ringing doorbell and the presence of costumed strangers.
Frightened dogs and cats are more likely to run away from their homes, jump out of open windows or dart into traffic. Stressed pets can also behave out of character – even scratching or biting people.
With this in mind, the B.C. SPCA has some tips to keep your pet safe on Oct. 31.
- Keep your pet inside to ensure fewer opportunities to confront trick-or-treaters. Some pets are better left in a separate room with the radio or television on to mask the sound of fireworks and trick-or-treaters.
- Ensure your pet is wearing identification in case it does run away.
- Don’t console an anxious pet, but rather use a bright, cheerful voice to send a message that things are fine.
- Keep candy away from pets and leave them at home when trick-or-treating.
- Dressing a dog in a costume inhibits its ability to communicate and makes the dog prone to display aggression himself or be subjected to aggressive behaviour from other dogs.
For more information on Halloween pet safety, please visit www.spca.bc.ca.