Halloween can be a scary time for pets. The Humane Society of Utah (HSU) reminds pet owners that holiday festivities may be stressful for their furry family members and encourages extra attention when opening doors to costumed visitors and partygoers.
“Some pet owners love to dress up their animals during Halloween,” said Deann Shepherd, HSU representative. “We ask that they keep their pet’s comfort in mind and make sure the costume doesn’t restrict movement or cause undue stress.”
HSU offers the following safety reminders to all pet owners during the holiday:
Keep pets away from trick-or-treat candy and chocolate. Children may hide their candy away in their bedroom, but pets have a keen sense of smell and may find the stash. Contact your local veterinarian if your pet consumes candy, especially if it contains chocolate or is sugar-free and contains xylitol.
Bring pets inside and keep them contained in a safe room during festivities. Be aware that the increased number of people and costumes may cause stress to your pet and they may bolt out an open door.
Ensure your pet wears proper ID, is microchipped and owner information is updated.
Do not keep lit pumpkins, candles or glow sticks around pets. While most glow sticks are labeled as nontoxic, they do have an extremely bitter taste and may cause pets that bite into them to have a reaction.
Only dress your pet in a safe and unrestrictive costume if they tolerate it. Ensure that the costume fits well and doesn’t slip or tangle the pet, or cause a choking hazard if chewed on. Never leave a costumed pet unattended.
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About the Humane Society of Utah
The Humane Society of Utah is dedicated to the elimination of pain, fear and suffering in all animals. Since 1960, the HSU has been sheltering homeless animals, fighting cruelty and neglect, and creating an environment of respect, responsibility, and compassion for all animals across the state of Utah. HSU is the largest open-admission
private animal
shelter in the state
,
and welcomes any companion animal that can legally be admitted. As a member of the No-Kill Utah (NKUT) Coalition, the HSU works hard to ensure that every healthy and treatable pet that enters the facility will be placed into a loving home. The Humane Society of Utah is a local, private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that does not receive any state tax dollars or government funding. HSU is funded by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses and foundations. Read more about the HSU online at www.utahhumane.org.
