Halloween: Great fun for humans, not so much fun for pets. The combination of crowds of strangers (many of whom are overexcited children); loud, unexpected noises; and, let’s face it, probably a less than welcome doggie or kitty costume, can all add up to a ghoulish experience for your dog or cat.

The veterinarians at Waipahu Waikele Pet Hospital have a few tips to make the holiday a little easier on your pet. For more than 40 years, this veterinary hospital has provided the best in pet services for Waipahu and the surrounding areas. The veterinary team is comprised of animal lovers who want to keep your pets happy and healthy, and they suggest abiding by the following tips to keep your pets safe and secure this Halloween:

• Do Not Feed Your Pets Any Candy: You may want to include your pet in the festivities, but this is the wrong way to go about it. Chocolate can be lethal to both dogs and cats, and even candies that don’t include chocolate can be poisonous due to artificial sweeteners. If your pet gets into the candy dish while your back is turned, make sure to rush him to the veterinary hospital immediately.
• Keep Your Pet Indoors: At best, loud trick-or-treaters can frighten pets; at worst, they can turn your pet into the victim of harassment, torture, or even mutilation. Play it safe and allow your pet minimal access to strangers for a few days before and after the holiday.
• Watch Out For Your Pumpkins: Lit jack-o-lanterns can be fire hazards, and a vigorous tail wag can ignite a blaze in no time. Even an unlit pumpkin can cause an upset stomach if your pet decides to turn it into a seasonal snack.
• Choose Costumes With Caution: If you decide to dress your pet up for the day, make sure you find a costume that is not too tight and doesn’t restrict sight, movement, or breathing. If your pet still seems agitated or distressed a few minutes after you put the costume on, consider retiring the look.

• Consider Your Halloween Décor: Glass decorations, light strands, and anything with an electrical component could lend themselves to breakage or chewing, slicing delicate paw pads and putting your pet at risk for electrical shock. Before you put anything out, think about what could happen if your pet got into it while you were away.

Following these tips should help both you and your pet enjoy Halloween to the fullest. In the event that your pet manages to get into some trouble on Halloween, call Waipahu Waikele Pet Hospital for 24/7 emergency services at (808) 671-7387.