Halloween is just around the corner, and keeping your pets safe, happy and healthy should be on your list of to-do items. Here are some things you can do to make Halloween a fun experience for the entire family:

Pet costumes are very popular this year. Don?t dress up your dog or cat unless you know he or she loves it. If you decide to do so, make sure the costume isn?t annoying or unsafe, and doesn?t restrict her movement, vision, hearing or ability to breathe or bark. Avoid costumes with small or dangling accessories that she could chew off and possibly choke on. Make sure an adult supervises pets in costume at all times.

It is wise to keep your pets in a separate area of the house. All but the most social dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room during peak trick-or-treat visiting hours. Too many strangers in unusual garb can be scary and stressful for pets.
Many animals become agitated at all of the "goblins" roaming the streets. Make sure all your pets are wearing current identification and take care when opening the door for trick-or-treaters that your dog or cat doesn?t dart outside.

It is IMPORTANT to keep all Halloween candy out of your pet?s reach. Chocolate can be poisonous to animals, and tinfoil and cellophane candy wrappers can be hazardous if swallowed.

Jack-o-lanterns and other decorations are fun, but can be dangerous. Be sure to keep lit pumpkins away from your pets. Better yet, use a battery powered light instead of a candle as pets can knock them over, and curious kittens especially run the risk of being burned by fire.

Don?t leave your pet in the yard on Halloween. Besides the scarey noise and activity that can upset your pets, sometimes animals become targets of "tricks", especially black cats. Keep your pets inside and keep them safe.

Black cats are considered very unlucky in the European and European-American traditions. Among Anglo-Saxons and Scandinavian people, it is said that if one sets out on a trip and a black cat crosses the road ahead, The only safe course of action is to turn back and return home. Tales of shape-shifting black cats and black cats who are in communication with the Devil are also a feature of European folk-belief. Concommitant with these negative feelings about black cats is the notion that they are particularly favoured as witches'-- hence they are always used on Halloween decorations throughout the world.

*DOG TIP*

All puppies go through a phase in which they sink their teeth into everything. While puppies play bite amongst themselves, it is important that they are discouraged from nibbling or chewing on human skin. What seems like a cute and affectionate behavior can escalate out of control later in life. Make sure you redirect the behavior by providing appropriate chew toys.

*CAT TIP*

If you are considering placing a heating pad in your cat's bed for warmth, be sure to exercise caution. Cover it with a towel and check it periodically to make sure it does not get too hot. An alternative is a warm water-heating pad  
through which warm water is circulated at a constant temperature.

*BONUS TIP*

Save money on litter for small fuzzy pets (guinea pig, hamster, etc.) bedding by shredding my old bills etc. and then mixing several handfuls of the shredded paper in with the expensive litter. This basically doubles the life of the litter and recycles the old paper.

1. Toxic Toys—Are Your Pets Safe?
Many common household products—including pet toys—may contain trace amounts of lead and other toxins. ASPCA Poison Control experts set the record straight on what to watch out for when gifting your pet with toys and treats. Read what our experts say about pet toy toxins... 

2. ASPCA Happy Tails: We Are Family!
Devoted canine Niya had no problem moving from NYC to the wilds of Michigan, where she became mother of a human and animal brood.

3. Cruelty to Animals Is Not Free Speech, ASPCA Argues!
Should the sale of dog fighting videos be protected by the First Amendment? The U.S. Supreme Court will soon decide as a notorious dog fighting propagandist tries to keep his conviction overturned.

4. ASPCA Forensic Vet Awarded for Work on Vick Investigation
Dr. Melinda Merck, ASPCA Senior Director of Veterinary Forensics, was honored for collecting irrefutable evidence that led to guilty pleas in the Michael Vick case.

Tough Guys With Heart

When a pet's biggest enemies are abusive owners, its best friends are the tattooed, muscle-bound crew of Rescue Ink.

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Cats According To Dave Barry

Cats are less loyal than dogs, but more independent. (This is code. It means: "Cats are smarter than dogs, but they hate people.") Many people love cats. From time to time, newspapers print stories about some elderly widow who died and left her entire estate, valued at $320,00, to her cat, Fluffkins. Cats read these stories, too, and are always plotting to get named as beneficiaries in their owners' wills. Did you ever wonder where your cat goes when it wanders off for several hours? It meets with other cats in estate-planning seminars. I just thought you should know."

*DOG TIP*

If you take your dog hunting consider providing him with a bright florescent vest to help avoid having other hunters mistake him for prey.

*CAT TIP*

Do you suspect that your middle-aged cat is hard of hearing? Are you able to sneak up on her without being heard? Gradual onset of hearing loss is very common and is associated with the aging of your cat. Consult your vet to make sure no other health issues are responsible for your cat's diminished response to the environment.

 1. U.S. Marines Enlist ASPCA in Dog Evaluations
In response to a U.S. Marine Corps’ breed ban that would attempt to keep aggressive dogs off military bases, ASPCA behaviorists assessed more than 100 canines this week in an effort to keep military families and their dogs together. Read more... 
http://www.aspca.org/news/national/10-09-09.html

 2. ASPCA Happy Tails: A Home of One’s Own
This five-pound survivor of a poodle hoarding situation has left her crowded quarters for nightly cuddles and a place to call her own. Read more...
http://www.aspca.org/news/national/10-09-09.html#2

3. Herd of Emaciated Arabian Horses Seized from Texas Ranch
The ASPCA awarded $10,000 to the Humane Society of North Texas to help care for 77 purebred Arabian horses found starving in their stalls. Read more...
http://www.aspca.org/news/national/10-09-09.html#3

4. Hiking Safely with Your Dog
A hiking trail isn’t your average walk around the block—these simple tips will help keep you and your pet safe on outdoor adventures. Read more...
http://www.aspca.org/news/national/10-09-09.html#4

1. Is Swine Flu Dangerous to Dogs and Cats?
Influenza viruses such as H1N1 are notoriously unpredictable, say ASPCA vets. It is important that pet parents keep watch over their animal companion’s health. Read what ASPCA veterinarians have to say about pets catching swine flu and how to keep them healthy during flu season. Read more... 
http://www.aspca.org/news/national/10-02-09.html#1

 2. ASPCA Happy Tails: Living the High Life
From the mean streets of NYC to a leafy Connecticut town, this ex-pauper left loneliness and hunger behind to become the king of tummy rubs.  Read more...
http://www.aspca.org/news/national/10-02-09.html#2

3. Severely Neglected Kittens Rescued from Brooklyn Home
After receiving life-saving blood transfusions at the ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, three emaciated kittens rescued by our Humane Law Enforcement Agents are recovering and getting ready for adoption. Read more...
http://www.aspca.org/news/national/10-02-09.html#3

4. Fall in Love! ASPCA Adopt-A-Shelter Dog Photo Contest
October’s your chance to show us who stole your pooch’s heart—besides you, that is. Be it cat, bird, guinea pig or horse, send us a photo of your pooch hanging with his best pal. Deadline is October 31. Read more...
http://www.aspca.org/news/national/10-02-09.html#4

*DOG TIP*

Yeast Infections in Dog's Ears

I spent hundreds of dollars at the vet's office and couldn't find the source of my dog's ear problems. Someone suggested it might be a yeast infection and to try a cream for vaginal yeast infection. Used one of the over-the-counter creams for one day treatment and put it in every day till almost gone. Problem has not come back. (Note: Always check with your veterinarian before trying or administering any procedure not prescribed by a qualified veterinarian. We make no representation that this or any other tip is advisable for your animal.)

*CAT TIP*

Kittens are cute, but consider adopting an adult cat whi is more likely to be calm and may have already lived in a household with other animals or children.

Most people know that dogs can easily get heartworms. Fewer people know so can cats. One bite from an infected mosquito is all it takes. That is how heartworms are spread. When a dog gets heartworms, the "cure" is a toxic dose of medication to kill the worms. There is great risk to the dog as either the treatment or dead worms clogging the heart and lungs can be fatal. Most dogs survive with
treatment, but   it is very hard on them. Cats are a different story.

When a cat gets heartworms, it is almost always a death sentence. There is NO TREATMENT for cats once they get heartworms. A cats only hope is through prevention. Medication in the form of pills or liquids are available through your vet that will keep your cat or dog from getting heartworms.

Most are given to your pet by the owner once a month. They are not very expensive. Heartworm cases involving cats are on the rise. This is truly one situation where the owner can save their cats lives. Even indoor cats can receive a mosquito bite, and if that mosquito is infected, oh well, so is kitty. Unless of course its owner loved kitty enough to protect it with heartworm medication.

Cage stress is often associated with the ferret's inability to escape to a safe place. You can identify a ferret suffering from cage stress by watching his behavior. Some signs may include constant pacing back and forth and gnawing on the cage bars or scratching incessantly at a corner of the cage. He may even have sores on his head and face from trying to push his way out of his confines.

Cage-stressed ferrets are overly destructive in their cages, tipping bowls and litter boxes more so than "normal."It's imperative that the fuzzy have somewhere dark and warm to hide and get away from all that's going on around him. You can use piles of fluffy bedding or a snooze sack, for example.
Providing safety and security helps prevent cage stress. If you have a particularly nervous ferret, covering part of the cage with a sheet or large towel may be helpful.

*DOG TIP*

Veterinary specialists offer sophisticated diagnostic and treatment options for dogs with serious health problems. Many consider their pets as family members and want to ensure that their pets get the highest quality care possible. If you are interested in taking your dog to a veterinary specialist, ask your veterinarian for a referral.

*CAT TIP*

When bringing a new baby into your home, be sure to protect her from your cat. Although your feline is unlikely to cause your baby any harm your cat may be very curious about the new arrival. Consider draping a commercially  
available crib-netting over the crib to prevent unwanted visitors into the baby's bed.

Introduced by Rep. Thaddeus McCotter, H.R. 3501—known as the Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years (“HAPPY”) Act—is a federal bill that would reward responsible pet parents by allowing them to keep more money in their pockets come tax time.

We all want to give our animal companions the best care we possibly can, but it seems that pet care costs are always on the rise—and these days, it’s harder than ever to stretch the family budget. That’s why the ASPCA supports H.R. 3501, which would amend U.S. tax code to allow qualifying pet care expenses, including veterinary care, to be tax-deductible.

This means that when you prepare your income taxes, money you spent on pet care that year would count as non-taxable income—and you can deduct up to $3,500 per year!

Please help us support the HAPPY Act, H.R. 3501.

1. Cat Survives Kick in Face with Steel-Toe Boot
On September 14, ASPCA Agents arrested 33-year-old Ronald Ross for kicking his family cat in the face with a steel-toe boot, resulting in the surgical removal of the cat’s eye. Ross has been indicted on felony charges and could face up to two years in jail. Read more about the case... 
http://www.aspca.org/news/national/09-25-09.html

 2. ASPCA Happy Tails: Inspector 12
A little kidney trouble doesn’t stop nine-year-old Cricket from making sure the house is in order! 
http://www.aspca.org/news/national/09-25-09.html#2

3. Judge Rules! NYC Must Create More Animal Shelters
Nearly 10 years after being mandated to create full-service animal shelters in all five boroughs, the City of New York’s being ordered by the State Supreme Court to uphold the law!
http://www.aspca.org/news/national/09-25-09.html#3

4. Help Pets Overcome Separation Anxiety
As summer vacation comes to an end, pets are spending more time alone. Here’s how you can help them enjoy, rather than destroy, while you're away.
http://www.aspca.org/news/national/09-25-09.html#4

*DOG TIP*

Exercise: Pets need enough room to exercise. If your dog is indoors, be sure to take it on frequent walks or to a doggie park. Outside dogs need enough room to run around and chase birds and squirrels. Always carry a plastic bag when walking your dog. Pick up after it and wash your hands when you get home.

*CAT TIP*

Many cat owners like to keep collars on their cats for identification purposes. Break away collars are recommended for all collar-wearing cats, but
especially those who go outdoors.

*BONUS TIP*

Instead of buying those expensive little pipes for your hamsters to play and crawl in, you can simply use the empty toilet rolls for them.  And if it is dirty or being chewed on, simply throw them away and replace them again with the rolls. It will definitely save you money and time to wash the pipes when they are dirty. Little windows or doors can be cut in the toilet rolls too! 

Pet Bird Dietary No-No's
Adapted From: Parrots For Dummies 

There are a few foods that you may eat that you shouldn't share with your pet birds. These include:
Avocado
Rhubarb
Chocolate
Raw onion
Salty and sugary foods (chips, pretzels, and so on)
Alcohol

These foods are toxic or deadly, or can simply make your bird ill.
Avoid feeding your parrot fatty or sugary snacks. It might be funny to watch your parrot eat a cheese doodle, but think of all of the other, more nutritious things she could be eating instead. Also, parrots tend to become porky if they eat too many fatty calories and don't get enough exercise. Better to stick with the healthier stuff. Too much salt can actually be deadly for a parrot, so no chips and pretzels.

Parrot-type birds do not need grit in their diet, despite the myth. Do not feed your parrot grit. It can cause crop impaction, and he'll be unable to digest his food properly. Excess grit in the gut can lead to death.

Two fools are about to go flying

Two morons stand on a cliff with their arms outstretched. One has some budgies lined up on each arm, the other has parrots lined up on his arms.
After a couple of minutes, they both leap off the cliff and fall to the ground.
Laying next to each other in intensive care at the hospital, one moron says to the other, "I don't think much of this budgie jumping."
The other moron replies, "Yeah, I'm not too keen on this paragliding either."

*DOG TIP*

I found that if I break off an inch or so of a banana and push the pill into it my dogs love taking their pills!

*CAT TIP*

Have you ever noticed a paper-thin translucent material covering your cat's nails? These are called nail sheaths and are a normal part of your cat's claws. When your cat scratches on wooden posts, tree trunks or scratching posts it is in part to facilitate the shedding of the worn-out claw sheath.