Talking Pets with Adopt and Shop

Halloween is a time of frights and fun but with so much going on, it can sometimes be easy to forget about how the holiday impacts your furry friend. To ensure the best howl-o-ween for you and fido, Aimee Gilbreath, Executive Director of Michelson Found Animals' Adopt & Shop, Los Angeles' largest nonprofit humane pet adoption and retail store, shares the best pet safety tricks and tips for a tail-wagging good time.

• Costumes are a big part of Halloween. Whether dressing one's adorable pit bull as a pumpkin or a tabby cat as Little Red Riding Hood, keep pets stress-free by choosing a costume that fits properly and isn't too much of a distraction. A costume that is too large or too small can be problematic. Tripping or getting caught on furniture or other obstacles can be dangerous and some may be at risk of choking and discomfort. While masks and hoods might be cute, if a pet cannot see, they can scratch or cause harm to themselves and others. Avoid dyes and face paints due to irritation of pet's skin and be sure to never leave your pet unattended while dressed in a costume. A reflective color, tape or other gear can be helpful in finding your pet while trick-or-treating or surrounded by a crowd of people.

• When the festivities begin, keep in mind a few handy precautions. Trick-or-treaters and guests in unusual appearances can be overwhelming to a pet. Place your pet in a quiet area away from the commotion. Give him or her some comfort by surrounding them with his or her favorite toys and blankets. In case of an attempted escape, consider putting up a pet gate in the doorway as a precaution. An external ID (like a nametag) and a microchip are helpful when there is an unfortunate event of a lost pet.

• Pets have an excellent sense of smell so keep candy out of reach. Ingredients in sugar-free candy can cause rapid low blood sugar and liver damage. Chocolate can cause tremors, nervousness, vomiting high heart rate and even death in some cases. Discuss with children and visitors the dangers of sharing Halloween treats and make sure garbage cans are sealed and wrappers are disposed properly. Dogs and cats can choke easily on cellophane and tin foil wrappers.

Pet parents, you know your pet best, but be sure to keep these precautions in mind. Most of all, make sure to have fun! To get your pet even more in the holiday spirit, join Adopt & Shop's pack walk and Howl-o-ween party on Sunday, October 26th, from 12:30 – 4 P.M. at 4235 Sepulveda Blvd, Culver City, CA 90230.The local community event will feature pet (and human) costume contest, paw-some prizes, raffle giveaway, photo booth, and lots more! Hope to see you there.