Pet Safety Week 2013 - HAPPY HOWLOWEEN!

Toronto Hydro and Toronto Humane Society's top picks for pet Halloween Costumes

TORONTO, Oct. 21, 2013 /CNW/ - The second annual Pet Safety Week has begun! This year, Pet Safety Week is October 20 - 26.  And to get the conversation started, Toronto Hydro-Electric System Limited ("Toronto Hydro") and the Toronto Humane Society have their top picks for 'Howloween' costumes and safety tips for furry friends.

Halloween is a fun time for the entire family; make sure your pets are safe too.

Indoors:

1. Trick or treaters will be knocking at the door all night.  These scary visitors will be in costume making it a strange and unknown environment for your dog or cat.  If you think your pet will become anxious and unwelcoming, consider moving them to another area of the house.  This is safer for the pet and the little visitors at the door.
2. Remember to keep those treats out of sight and reach.  Most people know that chocolate can be very dangerous for dogs, but few people are aware that many of the treats may contain the artificial sweeter xylitol, which is highly toxic.  As well, those wrappers may cause an upset stomach or even pose a choking hazard.
3. All those spooky decorations (both inside and outside) should be checked for safety.  Candles should never be left unattended.  Cats are especially curious and dogs love to chew things.  Make sure all decorations are secure and power cords and plugs are out of sight -- tape any slack to the wall or tuck them behind appliances.  Any chewed cords could lead to an electrical shock.

Outdoors:

1. Dogs and cats should always be supervised outdoors, but even more so around Halloween.  Trick or Treaters are infamous for eating their spoils along the way, leaving wrappers and other discarded treats on lawns and on sidewalks.  Felix or Fido, if left to wander, will eat their way around the neighbourhood.
2. Always use a leash.  Make sure to use a dry, non-conductive leash and guide dogs around electrical equipment when out and about.
3. Know your pet before choosing a 'Howloween' costume.  Some love costumes, while others may feel uncomfortable.  Never leave your pet unattended in their costume and pick your costume with the following things in mind:
• Brighter or lighter colours increase visibility.
• The costume should be comfortable.
• Avoid costumes that hinder or obstruct visibility.
• If your dog or cat is a chewer, limit the details (like strings or buttons) on the costume.
• Always make sure the collar and your pet's identification remain on, and work with the costume.

There are many hazards that pet owners may not be aware of. From poisonous plants to dangling electric cords, bored cats and dogs are more likely to find ways to get into trouble.  There are few resources available for new and seasoned pet owners on overall safety. Pet Safety Week is a reminder for pet owners to stay safe year-round.

For more facts and tips throughout the week watch for our daily advisories. Visit us online at Twitter (@torontohydro or @THS_tweet), Facebook or torontohydro.com

About Toronto Hydro 

The principal business of the Corporation and its subsidiaries is the distribution of electricity by Toronto Hydro-Electric System Limited. Toronto Hydro-Electric System owns and operates an electricity distribution system, which delivers electricity to approximately 723,000 customers located in the City of Toronto.  It is the largest municipal electricity distribution company in Canada and distributes approximately 19% of the electricity consumed in the Province of Ontario.

Our World. Our City. Our Responsibility. See what we are doing to be safe, reliable and sustainable at torontohydro.com/responsibility

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About The Toronto Humane Society:

The mission of the Toronto Humane Society is to promote the humane care and protection of all animals and to prevent cruelty and suffering. The Toronto Humane Society provides high quality care to the animals who are surrendered to the shelter and finds them forever homes as quickly as possible. The Toronto Humane Society receives no government funding.

Image with caption: "ALFIE - the hot dog - WHY WE LOVE THIS COSTUME: This costume doesn't cover Alfie's eyes, and it's a lighter colour to help others see him better. More treats for him! (CNW Group/Toronto Hydro Corporation)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131021_C5670_PHOTO_EN_32293.jpg

Image with caption: "FINNIGAN - the rock star - WHY WE LOVE THIS COSTUME: Finn is a chewer and hates things that hang, so these 80's themed rocker pants are ridiculously racy, but comfortable too. (CNW Group/Toronto Hydro Corporation)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131021_C5670_PHOTO_EN_32297.jpg

Image with caption: "DYLAN - the vampire - WHY WE LOVE THIS COSTUME: Dylan loves attention but not all the frills. This cape is perfectly scary and it even has a reflective collar to ensure he can be seen. (CNW Group/Toronto Hydro Corporation)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131021_C5670_PHOTO_EN_32296.jpg

Image with caption: "JOSIE - the bumblebee - WHY WE LOVE THIS COSTUME: Josie is black, so she is already hard to see. But, this cute little insect has LED lights in the wings increasing her visibility. (CNW Group/Toronto Hydro Corporation)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131021_C5670_PHOTO_EN_32295.jpg

Image with caption: "HENRY - the race horse - WHY WE LOVE THIS COSTUME: Henry is an energetic pup and this jockey hangs on for dear life! This costume doesn't have a lot to move around, it allows for the collar and leash, and doesn't obstruct his vision. (CNW Group/Toronto Hydro Corporation)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131021_C5670_PHOTO_EN_32294.jpg

SOURCE: Toronto Hydro Corporation