Halloween Tips

Halloween Safety Tips for Pets

Kuma Jones the bumble bee! Goblins, ghouls, and skeletons, oh my! Although we humans may be having a lot of fun, Halloween can be a very frightening time for our pets. With proper planning and these tips from the Spartanburg Humane Society, Halloween can be fun for everyone in your household!

Keep Your Pet in a Quiet Place: Dogs and cats can become frightened or agitated by the sights and sounds of costumed visitors. Frequently opened doors also make a great escape route for those who may already be distressed. Make sure all pets are wearing collars and ID tags in case of escape. Bring outdoor pets inside and keep them in a separate room during trick-or-treat visiting hours.
Beware of Jack-O-Lanterns: Wagging tails can knock over lit pumpkins causing a fire. Curious cats and kittens run the risk of being singed or burned by the jack-o-lantern's flame. Be sure to place live flame decorations out of your pet's reach.
Trick or Treat Candies Are Not for Pets: Chocolate is poisonous to a lot of animals. Even the wrappers, often made of tin foil and plastic, are dangerous and can get stuck in your pet's digestive system. Instead, treat your dog or cat to a pet friendly Halloween snack (see recipes below).
Pet Costumes Can Be Stressful: If you choose to dress your pet in a costume, keep in mind that you could be causing her discomfort and stress. Try them on in advance and see how your pet reacts. Make sure the costume is not constricting, annoying, or unsafe. If putting a mask on your animal, make sure the eye holes are big enough not to obstruct their vision. Animals depend on their vision to let them know what's going on, and even the nicest dog can get snippy if she can't see what's around her.
Leave Your Pets at Home: Adults may have more responsibility than they bargained for if they take their pet trick-or-treating with the kids. Pets may become spooked by the strange sights and sounds and try to make a hasty get away.
Decorate with your Pet in Mind: Keep decorations that pets could chew on - like streamers, fake spider webs, wires and cords for electrical decorations - out of reach. If pets chew on Halloween decorations they could choke or become ill.
Walk before Dark: Walk your dog early in the night, before it gets dark.

The SHS wishes you and your pet a very happy and safe Halloween!

Pet friendly treats!

Gobble-ups cat treats

1 cup cooked turkey or chicken
1/2 cup beef or chicken broth
1 tablespoon margarine
1 cup whole wheat flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine turkey, broth and margarine. Add flour to make a soft dough. Add additional flour, 1 tablespoon at a time if dough is too sticky. Roll out dough and cut with cookie cutter, or break off pieces and form into interesting shapes.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes on ungreased cookie sheets. Makes about 30 treats. Store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator

Bark 'O Lantern dog treats

1 cup oat flour
1 cup brown rice flour
1 cup pumpkin (canned or fresh)
2 Tablespoons molasses (regular or blackstrap)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 egg

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine all ingredients together and mix until a dough forms. Roll out on a lightly floured surface to 1/4" thickness. Use a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter (or a knife) to cut into shapes. Then, use a knife to cut out eyes and a mouth (and a nose if you can fit it). Place on an ungreased cookie sheet (they can be rather close together as they don't grow much while cooking).