Posted: October 29, 2009, 3 a.m. EDT
Candy, costumes, trick-or-treating and frighteningly fun times are what most people think of around Halloween. But pets may find strangers coming to the door dressed as ghosts and goblins a little too scary. Here are some tips from the American Humane Association and Pet Poison Hotline to help you and your pets have a fun and
safe Halloween.
Let your cats celebrate quietly: Keep your kitties behind closed doors in a separate room to eliminate the possibility of them slipping out the front door while you dole out candy. Make the room a safe haven with litterbox, food and water.
Pet-friendly decorations: Instead of an open flame in the jack-o'-lantern, opt for battery-powered, kid- and pet-friendly pumpkins. Open-flame candles and pumpkins with lit candles are especially dangerous because a pet's fur can catch fire. Don't let your pet chew or eat things like crepe-paper streamers; these are often colored with water-soluble dyes that will discolor your pet's mouth and can cause an upset stomach.
Glow sticks/jewelry: Pets, especially cats, love to chew on these colorful toys. Though not highly poisonous, the glowing contents can cause pain and irritation in the mouth as well as profuse drooling, nausea and vomiting.
No chocolate or candy: Chocolate is very dangerous for dogs and cats if ingested. Keep all chocolate and candy out of reach of your pets. In addition, crinkly plastic candy wrappers can be dangerous for cats if ingested. Have healthy pet treats on hand for your pets, and enjoy the candy and chocolate yourself.