by Stephanie Ruggerone   While “Trick or Treat” may be fun for us; what about our pets? Like so many other holidays in San Luis Obispo, the weather is nice and we want to include our furry family members in the fun. It is easy to forget our animal companions do not “see what we see” and do not understand when routine sights, sounds and smells of their daily lives suddenly take a drastic change. When it comes to Halloween, it is usually best to allow your pets to be a “Party Pooper!” Give them a quiet, safe place to spend the hours when doorbells, screams and creepy things moving in the dark take over the neighborhood.

For a Happy Halloween for your pet, follow theses suggestions from the Morris Animal Foundation:

NO SWEETS – Keep the candy away from your pets! Chocolate in all forms—especially dark or baking chocolate—can be very dangerous for dogs and cats. Candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol are extremely toxic to pets!

SAFETY FIRST – Wires and cords from electric lights and other decorations should be kept out of reach of pets. If chewed, your pet might suffer cuts or burns, or receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock. Keep lit candles and jack-o-lanterns out of reach from your furry friends. Their curiosity may cause them to get burned! Keep glow sticks and glow jewelry away from your pets. Although the liquid in these products isn’t likely toxic, it tastes really bad and makes pets salivate excessively and act strange!

NO GOBLIN GREETINGS – When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, make sure your cat or dog doesn’t dart outside. In case they do happen to escape through the open door, make sure your pet is properly identified with a microchip and/or collar and ID. If going out to trick-or-treat, leave your dog at home! Lots of children on the street may be frightening.

COSTUMES ARE OPTIONAL – If you dress up your pet, make sure the costume isn’t annoying or unsafe. It should not constrict movement or hearing, or impede their ability to breathe, bark or meow. Also, be sure to try on costumes before the big night. If your pet seems distressed, allergic or shows abnormal behavior, consider letting them go au naturale or wear a festive bandana.