Posted on: Sunday, October 31, 2004
Don't make Halloween a stressful time for pets
Hawaiian Humane Society
It's the most bewitching night of the year, fun for young and old, but it can be stressful for pets.
Tag No. 432840. Hey there, Georgie Girl! This kitten and her sister, Coco Puff, have been lovingly fostered for several months. They grew up enjoying the company of a big dog and people. Keep these little torti-coated sisters together and adopt the pair.
Tag No. 46164. Bouncy Buster is a Jack Russell terrier mix, which explains why he is very smart and has loads of energy. He needs an active home where he'll have playmates. At 16 months of age, Buster is still a puppy and already house-trained.
These animals already may have found homes. The Hawaiian Humane Society and McInerny Dog Park, 2700 Wai'alae Ave., are open seven days a week. For hours, directions, special events and to see more pets available for adoption, see www.hawaiianhumane.org or call 946-2187. Call immediately to report lost or found animals. • Make that pet costume a safe one. Silly, scary, funny, adorable! No matter what look you're going for, make sure your pet is enjoying Halloween as much as you are. Animal costumes should be comfortable enough so the pet can move freely. Avoid outfits with dangling strings and accents that can get tangled or swallowed. Even the friendliest pooch will become annoyed if his vision is obstructed.
• Always use a leash if you'll be trick-or-treating. If being "dressed up" is something new for your dog, he may get overheated and excited. It takes only a few minutes for heat stroke to affect your animal companion. Keep your pet cool and watch for panting — it's a sign to take a break and give your dog a drink of cool water.
• Keep your pet at home. Remember that ringing doorbells, excited children, costumed strangers and flashing lights can be frightening for pets. You need not worry about your pet becoming a target for pranksters, if you bring your animal companion indoors for the night. • Put identification on your pets. Even if your animal companion is staying at home while you pass out candy, trick-or-treat means the front door is opening and closing frequently. Make sure your canine and feline companions are wearing identifications, collars and have a microchip ID in case they accidentally slip out the door. • Feed pets only pet treats. Halloween sweets for people should not be fed to animals. Chocolate can be fatal to dogs and cats, and candy can make them sick. Keep baskets of treats off the floor where animals could swallow not only the candy, but the dangerous foil and plastic wrappings. If you sense that your pet feels left out, compensate with an appropriate pet treat.
• Pumpkins, candles and pets don't mix. Your lighted jack-o'-lantern can be a safety hazard when left where the dog's wagging tail can swat it. That talented cat that climbs the shelves could knock the pumpkin down. Never leave a candle-lit pumpkin unattended.
Here are a few tips to make sure today's Halloween celebrations are happy for the whole family.
ADOPTABLES
Georgie Girl
Buster
