Avoid a Night of Fright: 6 Halloween Pet Safety Scenarios

Halloween is the spookiest night of the year, hands down. And while your scares should be limited to the Jersey Shore look-alikes showing up on the doorstep, your pet could also find a way or two to rattle your bones. To keep you from turning into a wicked witch, here’s our guide on how to handle a night of four-legged mischief. Now if only we could tell you what to do about those pumpkin-smashing teens…

The scare: Cocoa finds the chocolate

Chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that acts as a cardiac stimulant and diuretic, and can be toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. Signs of a reaction include hyperactivity, restlessness, muscle twitches, increased urination and excessive panting. Seizures--and even death--can occur in severe cases. Candies containing the sugar substitute xylitol can also be toxic for pets. Even cellophane wrappers and lollipop sticks alone are hazardous. If swallowed, these items can cause choking or intestinal blockage.

The solution: Keep candy bowls, bags and wrappers out of your pet’s reach. A cupboard or high-up pantry shelf is a good storage spot for goodies. The coffee table or floor of your kid’s bedroom is not. If you suspect that your pet has ingested something toxic, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4434) ASAP. Halloween doesn’t mean your pet has to go treatless. Keep a stash of his own vittles handy and he’ll be less likely to go scrounging for yours.

The scare: Shadow slips out with the trick-or-treaters

With your door opening and closing all night long, it’s easy for a kitty or pup to slip outside. And don’t expect the six-year-old Pocahontas to have the speed or strength to stop him. Your pets are curious about what’s going on out there, and it’s kind of hard to blame them. But if there’s one night you don’t want them roaming the streets, it’s probably Halloween. There’s increased foot--and car--traffic, strangers and a few people who may just be up to no good.

The solution: In case of an escape, make sure your pet is properly ID-ed. Set up a doggy gate at the door to keep a small pup inside or have him hang out in a crate for the evening. You can also set up a separate room for your cat or dog during trick-or-treating hours. This cozy space should include the pet’s bed, food and favorite toys. Check in with him frequently. If worst comes to worst and your pet does decide to dash--and doesn’t return by curfew, here’s our best advice on finding a missing Fluffy or Fido:

• Missing Dogs 101: How to Find a Lost Dog
• Lost Cat: What to Do When You Can’t Find Fluffy
• 5 Online Tools to Help You find Your Lost Pet

The scare: Fluffy makes friends with the jack-o’-lantern

Curious kitty paws and wagging dog tails are no match for the candle burning inside your carved pumpkin. And when your jack-o’-lantern isn’t aglow, your pet may decide it’s his new favorite snack. While pumpkin isn’t toxic for cats and dogs, the carved Halloween variety is essentially a perishable food item being left out in the open for days on end. That means plenty of bacteria—and upset stomachs and diarrhea if consumed.

The solution: Shoo away nosy noses and use a nightlight instead of a candle. Not only will you eliminate the risk of a fire, you’ll also prevent your pet from burning himself or singing his whiskers. Remember to keep electrical cords from holiday decorations secured. If chewed, your pet could be in for a shocking surprise.

The scare: Fido shows his fangs

With all of the masked villains coming to the door, your perfect pup could turn into a werewolf if you’re not careful. When a dog feels threatened or scared, he may be inclined to give a little more than a love bite or friendly lick.

The solution: Avoid a serious, injury-causing chomp by speaking calmly to your dog and offering plenty of reassurance. If he’s mingling with trick-or-treaters, instruct them on how to approach your pooch (no grabbing, chasing or lunging) before the hands reach out. If your dog is known to get a little rough with strangers, keep him separated or crated for the evening. Never hit, shake or physically confront an aggressive dog. If biting has become an issue, talk to your vet or a pet behavioral specialist about how to correct the problem.

The scare: Princess nears a panic attack

Halloween brings with it some sounds that can be pretty frightening to a timid pup. If your pet experiences noise anxiety during thunderstorms or fireworks, he might get worked up over screams, cackles and boos, too.

The solution: If you’re doing the monster mash while Max is cowering under the coffee table or hiding in his crate, let him be. A scared dog needs a space--away from visitors and festive activity--to call his own. Check in with him frequently, offering plenty of TLC and a few gentle strokes to calm his nerves.

The scare: Daisy says no to the dress

Unless your pet plays dress-up on a regular basis, putting her in costume might scare the bejesus out of her. But it looks so cute, you find it hard to resist.

The solution: Don’t force your pet into any outfit that causes her discomfort or stress. A costume should never impair your kitty or pup’s ability to move, breathe, hear, see, bark or meow. Avoid masks altogether and steer clear of get-ups adorned with choking hazards like buttons or anything that dangles. If your pet’s cool with a costume, choose something that is easy-on/easy-off. Pop it on for pictures, then let your pet roam around in her Birthday suit for the rest of the night.