How To Keep Pets Safe During Halloween

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Halloween is Sunday and trick-or-treaters will be out in force. With that in mind, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals issued tips on how to keep your pets safe:

• Do not allow your pets to eat trick-or-treat candies that may be poisonous or harm them.
• Don’t leave your pet outside on Halloween. If trick-or-treating is happening in your area, use caution so your pet does not run outside.
• Do not use candles to illuminate Halloween pumpkins: pets may tip them over and cause a fire.
• Halloween decorations should be kept out of pets' reach. Items like spider webbing and balloons can be deadly if swallowed.
• Don’t dress your pet in a costume unless you know he or she loves it. This may put added stress on the animal. If you do, make sure the costume isn’t constricting or unsafe. Do not obstruct vision and be sure there is no risk of strangulation by novelty headdresses placed on your pet. Remove costume from the pet when unattended.
• Be sure your pet has proper identification on at all times.
• Know your veterinarian’s number and keep it listed with your other emergency numbers. Being able to react quickly in an emergency could save your pet's life.
• Please report any acts of cruelty or neglect to the Hudson Valley SPCA at 845-564-6810 or SPCA Westchester at 914-941-2896 (or your local SPCA or police office). All calls will be kept confidential.

This report updates an earlier report compiled by Michael DeSantis with information specific to the Hudson Valley.