Experts offer tips to keep your pets safe and healthy this Halloween

DELMARVA – Halloween is a unique and fun holiday, usually full of tricks and treats.

But if you have a pet at home, experts say there’s a few precautions you should take to ensure your furry friend stays happy and healthy. Sara Smith with the Brandywine Valley SPCA says that no candy is good for pets, especially chocolate, gum, and gummy candies. Xylitol, a sweetener commonly used in candy, can also make pets sick.

When it comes to cute Halloween costumes, some pets may enjoy them, while others may feel uncomfortable. If you’re planning to dress up your pup or kitty this year, Smith says you should keep an eye on them and take off the costume if they show signs of discomfort.

“If they’re not comfortable they’ll let you know. Their ears might be back, they may be pulling at part of it with their mouth, they might be scratching or go and hide.”

The commotion brought on by Halloween festivities can also make pets anxious or scared. Smith says costumes and unfamiliar sights and smells could lead to increased stress in cats and dogs, leading them to go hide or possibly even run away. She says it’s important to have a quiet place for your furry friend to hang out.

“You may want to have a safe room or safe area of your house where your pet is away from the commotion, away from the door being opened and closed a hundred times for the night.”

One final tip, is to make sure your pet has updated identification on them, in the event they do get out of the house. This includes ID collars and microchips.