The pandemic has made things a little bit more scary for this Halloween, but for family pets and wildlife Oct. 31, has always meant a host of hazards.
That’s why veterinarians, animals rescue groups and animal lovers everywhere are reminding ghosts and ghouls to be mindful of their furry and feathered friends today.
#Halloween may be a bit different this year because of #COVID19,but it's still important to make sure your pets don't get a hold of any human "treats" that can be toxic to animals! 🍫 🚫 🐶
— The Humane Society of the United States (@HumaneSociety) October 30, 2020
Keep your pets safe during Halloween festivities with these tips: https://t.co/VK95KVKANl pic.twitter.com/Tw1QXZOVdu
The Humane Society of the United States is reminding people that the Halloween hype causes stress in pets.
“A dog’s natural instinct is to protect their home or to alert you that a stranger has arrived,” Amy Nichols, Vice President of Companion Animals and Equine Protection at the Humane Society of the United States, said in a statement. “And cats typically prefer a quiet environment with their family. Trick-or-treaters continually knocking on the door or ringing the bell can be very stressful to both dogs and cats.”
So why not sit outside to hand out treats? (That will help fight COVID-19, too. Being out in the open air is a good way to avoid the virus.)
The South Bend Animal Clinic in Indiana also notes people treats are for people, not pets.
Many items can make dogs and cats sick.
Pet Safety Tips for a Happy Halloween.
Posted by South Bend Animal Clinic on Saturday, October 31, 2020
PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, also has some helpful advice to make Halloween more fun for everyone.
“Here are some animal-friendly tips to share to keep the holiday from turning into a real-life horror movie,” the group said.
WildCare, a non-profit based in San Rafael, California offered a real life warning about scary decorations.
The group posted a photo of a bird caught up in some fake spider webbing.
“This hummingbird’s feet were horribly tangled in the stuff,” the organization posted on Facebook. “Fortunately his rescuers knew to cut the webbing instead of trying to pull the bird free, which would have broken his tiny toes.”
It asked people not to use the stuff, or if they do, to make sure they check it at multiple times a day for trapped animals.
Another victim of fake spiderweb Halloween decorations! This hummingbird’s feet were horribly tangled in the stuff….
Posted by WildCare on Sunday, October 25, 2020
Animals don’t love fireworks, either.
The city of Terrace, British Columbia offered some useful advice for animal lovers.
“The sudden noise from fireworks can be very upsetting to animals,” the city said, adding, “Be sure to clean up afterwards as fireworks debris can be harmful to animals.”
On the weekend, we looked at fireworks safety for humans—but what about pets? The sudden noise from fireworks can be…
Posted by City of Terrace on Monday, October 26, 2020
And, you really do want to keep your pets inside — especially black cats, warns the SPCA of Southern Oregon.
Halloween Public Safety Announcement: keep your animals inside for the week!
Posted by SPCA – Southern Oregon on Tuesday, October 27, 2020
Some say we should never put costumes on pets, but sometimes dress up can be fun — and the experts have some suggestions on how to do it more safely.
Even if you’re just dressing your furbaby for an occasion (cough, cough Halloween🎃) it's important to keep these safety tips in mind when choosing your pet’s ensemble: https://t.co/VmOuSPGE4b #Halloween #dogsoftwitter #catsoftwitter pic.twitter.com/jKwJUbQsJf
— Petplan Pet Insurance (@Petplan) October 27, 2020
Not all animals will tolerate it, so don’t force them to wear them, don’t leave them alone, make sure they can move around and see and hear while dressed up.
Please keep your pets safety & comfort at the forefront this Halloween. When it comes to costumes, avoid anything that covers or restricts your pets ears or hearing, eyes or sight, mouth, nose or breathing, and movement, paws, touch or senses.
— RSPCA Victoria (@rspca_vic) October 30, 2020
Learn more: https://t.co/DrxBadt2eC pic.twitter.com/OSWnlSw5Xx
NEW BLOG: Planning on putting a #Halloween costume on your pet? https://t.co/wtCASwWYkx Here are some safety tips! pic.twitter.com/jt4BLTYk0Y
— Vetco (@VetcoNM) October 31, 2020
Keep these things in mind and Halloween can be howling good time for everyone.
