Halloween is a great time for humans to celebrate and dress up, but it may not be a treat for your furry friend.
El Paso Animal Services offers tips for pet owners to keep their four-legged family members safe during fun playtime.
Verify your pet’s identity: With doorbells ringing, doors opening, and creepy visitors constantly coming your way, your pet might decide to take a break outside. Make sure your pet has a collar and current ID tag. Microchip information must be up to date so your pet can be returned home in case it is found wandering the streets. Create a safe space: The excesses of Halloween can be overwhelming for pets, so provide a quiet room away from the hustle and bustle to reduce stress. Please keep them safe. Keep candy out of reach. They may love candy, but chocolate and sugar-free candies are toxic to pets, and candy wrappers can be a choking hazard. Pets love to sneak treats, so be extra careful and keep all human treats safely out of your pet’s reach. COMFORTABLE COSTUME: Your dog or cat may look adorable in the perfect costume for social media, but if your pet isn’t, don’t force yourself to wear one as it won’t be comfortable. Instead, keep it simple, like using a Halloween-themed bandana. If you choose to costume your pet, make sure it is safe, unrestricted, and allows for free movement. Pay attention to the decoration. Keep candles, lit pumpkins, and electrical cords away from curious pets. Chewing on or knocking over ornaments can cause injury, burns, or electric shock. Be visible while walking: If you let your pet trick-or-treat, use a reflective collar, leash, and light. Become aware of your pet: Some pets can be stressed or experience stress. I’m so anxious about Halloween. If your pet is distressed, consult your veterinarian for calming solutions and products.
If your pet slips out the door or runs away during a walk, visit the El Paso Animal Services Center, 5001 Fred Wilson Ave., as soon as possible.
To view resources in El Paso and to file a lost or found pet report, visit ElPasoAnimalServices.org/LostPetResources or ElPasoAnimalServices.org/FoundPetResources.
