Archive: Around Town

SPCA Urges Pet Lovers to Help Pets Avoid Stress Halloween is fun for people, but not much fun for pets. People in disguise, spooky noises, knocking at the door - the trappings of Halloween can be agitating and unnerving to animals. The SPCA is urging pet lovers to follow some timeless tips to help make Halloween safe and less stressful for your pet:

• Keep your pet inside and well away from trick-or-treaters and other holiday activities. People in costume are often disturbing to dogs and cats. On top of that, you have strangers coming to the door. Your pet may feel like his or her territory is being invaded. And with the door open frequently, there's a risk that your pet will escape. Keep your pet closed safely in a quiet room. Leave on a radio or TV to mask the sounds of trick-or-treating.

• Don't put your dog or cat in a costume unless you are absolutely certain they don't mind "dressing up." Most animals don't like to wear clothing. If you want to try your pet in a costume, go slowly. Give them a chance to get used to it. If they resist, or seem the least bit uncomfortable, don't force the issue. In any case, make sure the costume is lightweight and non-restricting. Never leave a pet in a costume unsupervised.

• Don't take your dog or cat trick-or-treating. With all the people running around in costume and making eerie noises, your pet may get startled or scared. An animal that's spooked may bolt and get lost, or even bite someone.

• Keep pets away from candles, jack-o-lanterns and hanging decorations.

• Keep Halloween candy safely out of the reach of animals. Candy can make your dog or cat sick. Chocolate can be toxic to pets. Buy your pet some special dog or cat treats to enjoy on Halloween instead.

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