Keeping pets safe on Halloween

As Halloween night inches closer and closer, it’s a good time to keep your pet’s safety in mind.

Maridee Mallette with the Jackson County Animal Shelter says keeping pets in a quiet room or crate may help if your pet gets scared.

Chocolate and sweeteners in many Halloween candies are also harmful for animals so keep those out of reach from your four-legged friends. If you’re dressing up your pets, make sure the costumes are loose fitting and have no choking hazards.

If you’re planning on going out for Halloween, Mallette says to leave pets at home if they’re not accustomed to social settings. “If your pets not socialized out into the public, I wouldn’t bring it somewhere like to a big neighborhood walking around or downtown or anything. Something bad could happen. Keep your pet at home unless it’s use to being out there.”

As for those pumpkins you have around the house, pets can consume pumpkins in small quantities, but large amounts or rotting ones can make them sick.