Protect pets this Halloween

KUSA - Halloween is a fun night for kids and adults alike, but there's one member of the family that you should take extra precautions with: the family pet.

Dr. Tanya Kim, an emergency veterinarian with Animal Hospital Specialty Center in Highlands Ranch, joined us on 9NEWS Saturday Morning with some Halloween pet safety tips. She also shared a recipe for dog treats.

Halloween Pet Safety Tips

1. Store treats safely. Keep treats off tables, counters, or anywhere a dog can reach them. Chocolate can cause seizures, tremors, hyperactivity, heart rhythm abnormalities and even death.

2. Teach your dog good Halloween manners. Some dogs enjoy answering the door. These pups should wear a collar with ID tag and leash for easier control in case situations get a little too rambunctious. An easily stressed dog may be best in a crate or quiet room.

3. Pick the best Halloween costume. All dogs out in the evening or at night should wear a reflective collar and leash so they can be easily seen in the dark. Make sure the costume fits properly. Costumes that are too tight, loose, heavy, or hot can cause sore muscles, and restrict movement, breathing, and vision. Doggy boots are a great way to protect paws from scrapes, frozen paw pads and general soreness.

4. Don't panic in the event of an emergency. If you think your dog has eaten something harmful, quickly survey the area for opened garbage cans or cupboard doors, candy wrappers, destroyed Halloween toys, or anything out of the ordinary. Call your veterinarian immediately. Never induce vomiting unless a veterinarian recommends it. If your dog becomes sick and the veterinarian recommends immediate care, bring the vomit in a plastic bag to the hospital.

5. Be prepared for an emergency before it happens. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control is available 24/7 at (888) 426-4435. A board-certified veterinary toxicologist will suggest home remedies or recommend treatment at an animal hospital. A $60 consultation fee may be charged for this service. Always have your veterinarian's phone number by the phone or on the refrigerator. If your veterinarian's office is closed, Animal Hospital Specialty Center at 5640 County Line Place in Highlands Ranch is staffed with emergency doctors and technicians 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call (303) 740-9595 or visit www.ahscvets.com.

Happy Halloween Dog Treats
These crunchy cookies are best suited in moderation for healthy, adult dogs. Check with a veterinarian before giving these treats to puppies, senior dogs, or any dogs with health conditions.

Ingredients:
2 cups whole-wheat flour
1/2 cup unbleached flour
1/2 cup cornmeal
1 apple, chopped or grated
1 egg, beaten
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
3/8 cup water

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a cookie sheet with vegetable oil spray. Lightly dust work surface with flour. Blend flours and cornmeal in large mixing bowl. Add apple, egg, oil, brown sugar, and water; mix until well blended. On floured surface, roll dough out to 7/8-inch thickness. Cut with Halloween-themed cookie cutters. Place treats on prepared cookie sheet. Bake in a preheated oven 35 to 40 minutes. Turn off oven. Leave oven door closed 1 hour to crisp treats. Remove treats from oven. Store baked treats in an airtight container or plastic bag and place them in the refrigerator or freezer. Makes approximately 24 treats.