Halloween can be tricky time for you and your pets

Sammy is a terrier/dachshund mix, who is about 10 years old and weighs 18 pounds. (Courtesy of The Buddy Foundation)

Rocky is a 5-year-old, 60-pound, Labrador retriever mix. He needs a special person who can establish themselves in the alpha position, but with a gentle hand. Rocky will connect with the right person who will take the time and have the patience to work with him. He gets along with other dogs, just not all dogs. Rocky would not be a good fit with children. (Courtesy of The Buddy Foundation)

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Through the years, we’ve collected lots of photos of our dogs dressed in Halloween costumes. Bourbon, our Doberman-shepherd mix, looking nonplused; Arlie, our mixed breed, in his bow tie, looking dignified and dapper.

Shelby, our Shetland sheepdog, in her witch’s hat headband and cape, as a good witch, patient as always. Nutmeg, our cat, dressed as the devil — enough said.

The costumes were shaken or pawed off seconds after the photos were taken, but the pictures remain as memories of Halloweens past and the special animals who have shared our lives.

While a photo op is one thing, the HSUS and the ASPCA note Halloween can be a really frightening time for our companion animals.

Nancy Peterson, HSUS companion animal issues specialist, notes,“Dogs and cats rely on daily routine. When their routine is disrupted by lots of noise and commotion, like trick-or-treaters ringing the doorbell or lots of strangers in unusual clothes in their house, pets can become frightened or agitated. It’s best to keep pets at a safe distance from the festivities.”

Our pets’ environment is especially important during the days surrounding Halloween activities. Both organizations recommend keeping our pets indoors. Unsupervised outdoor animals are susceptible to stress, inhumane practical jokes or theft. Providing a normal, stress-free environment reduces the probability of our pets injuring themselves or others.

Keeping our animals indoors ensures they won’t become frightened or feel threatened at the sight of noisy, costumed children.

While trick-or-treating may be fun, our companion animals should be kept away from the door and out of hearing range of a constantly ringing doorbell and excited children. With frequently opened doors providing a means of escape, our animals are safest in an enclosed area with a toy and soothing music.

With outside doors opening and closing, all pets should be wearing current ID tags in case of escape.

Adam Goldfarb, director of the Pets at Risk program for the HSUS suggests, “The noises, smells and people can be overwhelming for many pets on Halloween, so create a safe haven in one room of your home where he can quietly relax.”

With candy being more plentiful during Halloween, it needs to be kept out of our animals’ reach. Children should be taught not to share Halloween treats with their pets. Candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can cause problems. Candy, especially chocolate, is toxic to animals and can cause vomiting, restlessness, heart disturbances and even death.

Grapes and raisins, while healthy snacks for humans, can be potentially deadly for dogs. And candy wrappers, if eaten, can cause an obstruction or irritation to our pets’ digestive systems.

We also need to keep our companion animals safe from Halloween decorations. Crepe paper streamers, fake cobwebs, glow sticks, cardboard wall hangings and plastic spiders can be easily chewed and swallowed, damaging our pets’ digestive systems. Animals can also tip over tabletop candles or the candles in pumpkins, quickly setting fire to their fur.

Some of our companion animals like to dress up, but others dislike it. If your companion animal doesn’t mind dressing up, make sure the costume fits well and isn’t going to slip and tangle him.

Make sure the costume doesn’t restrict his normal movements, breathing, vision or barking. Costumes that interfere with these things can cause ligament or joint injuries. Animals are more likely to bite if their vision is impaired. Never leave a costumed pet unattended.

Animals are better off left at home during trick-or-treating. Dogs may become more difficult to handle (especially by children) during the noise and confusion, possibly getting lost or biting a stranger they may encounter.

Have important contact information easily accessible in case of an emergency or if your pet becomes sick, injured or lost during the holiday season. The information should include phone numbers for your veterinarian, emergency veterinarian clinic and local animal shelters.

Halloween can be fun for everyone. Knowing our pets are safe and happy adds to the enjoyment of the day.

Upcoming: The Buddy Foundation, 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights, presents a Wanda the Witch photo event from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct 29. A $7.50 donation. Bring your animals and children in costume. A bake sale with homemade goodies will be available with treats for all.

• The Buddy Foundation, 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights, is a nonprofit (501c3), all volunteer, no-kill animal shelter. For information, call (847) 290-5806 or visit www.thebuddyfoundation.org.