Halloween safety tips for pets

Halloween is one of the best holidays for kids, but for family pets, it can be a stressful and even dangerous time of year. Humane Society Silicon Valley offers pet owners some common-sense tips to help them keep their pets safe during this time of year:

•  Keep pets safely inside, away from trick-or-treaters and other Halloween activities. Too many strangers in strange garb can be scary for a dog or cat. This will ensure that pets won't become frightened or feel threatened at the sight of costumed children.

•  Make sure your dog or cat is wearing proper identification. If for any reason they escape and become lost, you increase the chances that they will be returned to you.

•  Trick-or-treat candies are not for pets: Chocolate is poisonous to a lot of animals, and tin foil and cellophane candy wrappers can be hazardous if swallowed.

•  Be careful of pets around a lit pumpkin: Pets may knock it over and cause a fire. Curious kittens especially run the risk of getting burned.

•  Don't dress the dog or cat in a costume unless you know he or she loves it. Otherwise, it puts too much stress on the animal.

•  If you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume isn't annoying or unsafe; it should not constrict her movement, hearing or ability to breathe or bark. Also, there should not be small, dangling, or easily chewed-off pieces on the costume that your pet could choke on.

•  Be careful not to obstruct your pet's vision; even the sweetest animal can get snappy when he or she can't see.

•  Keep your outdoor cats inside several days before and several days after Halloween; black cats in particular may be at risk from children's pranks or other cruelty-related incidents.

For more advice about caring for your pet, visit the Humane Society Silicon Valley Web site at www.hssv.org

Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) was established in 1929 and has grown into one of the largest animal shelter on the West Coast, caring for 29,000 animals last year alone. HSSV operates an open door shelter accepting all incoming animals, regardless of their health, temperament and age, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. More than 90 percent of the animals placed for adoption find new homes. The agency offers a comprehensive program of adoptions, animal care and services, education, and an affordable spay, neuter and vaccination clinic.