Trick or treat warnings for pet owners

Halloween can be scary and dangerous for pets

Don't let Halloween fun turn into a scary night for your family pet. King County Animal Care and Control reminds pet owners to take extra precautions on October 31 because many of the evening's traditions could endanger pets.

Even the constant opening and closing of the front door to greet trick-or-treaters could be the opening for a scared pet to dash out of your home.

Seasonal decorations, such as dried berries, lit candles, and particularly packaged candies and chocolate, which is toxic to dogs, can also be tempting but harmful to your pets if eaten. Spooky sounds and strange costumes can also be scary for animals: they are sensitive to sounds and will not understand unfamiliar characters shouting at the front door or coming into the home for a party and may act protective of family members.

To protect your pets, King County Animal Care and Control suggests the following four steps:

1. Before the end of the month, make sure your pet is wearing at least two forms of current I.D. This could be any combination, such as a pet license and microchip or a pet license and personal identification tag.

2. On Halloween night, make sure your pets are safe inside the house and away from the front door.

3. Store Halloween candy away from animals. Chocolate contains theobroymine, which can be lethal for dogs if enough is digested.

4. If your pet becomes lost, be sure to visit your local animal shelters right away to look for your pet and post flyers in the neighborhood, too.

By taking a few extra precautions before Halloween, pet owners can ensure that Halloween is spooky and fun rather than scary for pets.