Easing the stress and danger of Halloween for our pets

CINCINNATI - Halloween is a fun time for us, but not so much always for our pets.

Bob Howard from the Stray Animal Adoption Program has some tips to share to ease the stress and dangers of Halloween.

1. No tricks, no treats. Candy should not be a part of your pet's diet, while chocolate can be dangerous or even deadly for cats and dogs.  Chocolate acts like a poison in their system. 

Theobromine or chocolate poisoning can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and internal bleeding.  It can lead to heart attacks and even death. 

2.  Keep your pets in a separate room away from the front door during trick-or-treat time.  This will lower their stress level and prevent escapes out the door.  It can be confusing and frightening for pets to see so many different strangers dressed up in Halloween costumes.

3.  Have an ID tag and microchip tag for your cat or dog in case they escape.  This will allow them to be able to returned to you. 

4.  Be aware of jack-o-lanterns.  In addition to your pet nibbling on them, it can be dangerous if your pet knocks over one that has a candle lit inside. 

5.  Be careful with electrical cords that may be used with your Halloween decorations.  You don't want your cat and dog chewing through the cord.

6.  Use caution with costumes.  Some pets are hams with costumes, but others can become stressed if you try to dress them up. 

One of the dogs up for adoption this week wants to be your biggest Bengal fan.  Hooday is a 6-month Brindle Boxer with the traditional orange and black stripes. 

He would enjoy an energetic owner or family.  Hooday likes cats, dogs and is housetrained. 

Canterberry is a 11-week old Chihuahua/Beagle mix.  She is quite small for her age.  Canterberry is energetic and playful and doesn't mind playing with dogs that are bigger than her.  She is ready for someone to love her.  

For more information on Pet Pals, you can call the Pet Pals Adoption Line at (513) 885-DOGS.