Fig’s Facts- Halloween
Thursday, October 18th, 2007
Halloween Safety
By Figaro
The Wonder Wizard
Hello fellow beggars. It’s that time of year where millions take to the streets for spooky trick or treat fun. Even animals can enjoy this holiday with a little help from Mummy and Daddy.
The first thing to remember is that human treats are not for pets. Chocolate and candy in any form is hazardous, not to mention the risks of choking on tin foil and cellophane candy wrappers. All candy should be out of a paw’s reach.
Second, for those friends of mine who own the second most favorite pet – cats - (especially black ones), they should be aware that there are many tales of malicious people who tease, injure, steal, torture, sacrifice or even kill people’s pets on Halloween. Therefore, pets should not be kept outside and his or her whereabouts should be known at all times.
Next - the pumpkin. While Mr. Jack-O-Lantern is fairly nontoxic, he can still produce wicked gastrointestinal upset should he be ingested. All lit candles should be out of reach of curious (yet flammable) whiskers or tails that might knock them over. Also, to avoid electrical shock, all decorative light cords and wiring should be monitored if your pet likes to chew on them.
While some of us tolerate costumes well, most of us prefer our “birthday suits,” and wearing a costume can cause undue stress. If you must dress us up, please make sure that costumes do not constrict our movement or hearing, or impede our ability to breathe or bark. Keep a look out for small, dangling, or easily chewed-off pieces on the costume that your pet could choke on. The best costumes are those that glow-in-the dark although it’s still safer for us to stay at home than to walk with children in the neighborhood.
Last but not least, the door. All but the most social of pets should be kept in a separate room during peak trick-or-treat visiting hours. Too many strangers can be scary and stressful for us. Some costumes might frighten us and cause us to dart out of an open door unnoticed while little human ghosts and goblins are picking out treats. If your pet is allowed to greet ghouls and boys, make sure they are wearing proper ID tags in case they accidentally leave with visiting children and need to be identified.
It doesn’t take magic to keep us safe and sound, so have a hauntingly Happy Halloween.