Brea, Calif. (September 25, 2007) — For Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), the nation’s oldest and largest provider of pet health insurance, the most frightening aspect of Halloween is the increase in pet accidents and injuries. Each year, the haunting holiday is followed by a rise in claims for pet poisonings and foreign body ingestions – incidents which can be prevented. Pet owners are encouraged to follow these simple VPI tips to avoid accidents and ensure pet safety this Halloween:

1. Keep all candy well sealed and out of reach of pets. If it is tasty and accessible, your pet will eat it. This applies to candy and used wrappers. Take the trash out regularly, so used candy wrappers are not tempting for pets to dig out. The amount of claims for substance toxicity more than doubles following Halloween, a majority of these claims come as a result of pets ingesting candy and candy wrappers. Chocolate can be toxic, if not deadly for pets, depending upon how much they eat and the size of the pet.

2. Place festive decorations out of the reach of pets. If it is shiny and small, your pet will eat it. Foreign body ingestion claims also increase significantly in late fall, nearly doubling after Halloween. Chew toys are designed for pets to chew on, but Halloween decorations are not. Pets have a hard time distinguishing any small object from another. If you like to decorate for Halloween, stay away from small or low-hanging items, or even large items with parts that could appeal to a pet.

3. Designate a secure spot for your pet inside your home, since traffic to and from your house may increase dramatically on Halloween night. Guard your pet from excessive stress or barking by keeping her inside and away from the front door. Also, remember that Halloween night is prime time for pranks, some harmless and some vicious. Keep your pets inside the entire night to make sure they don’t become a part of either.

4. Exercise caution when walking your pet outside. If you decide to bring your pet trick or treating, grab the leash and prepare to hold it tightly. Many of the sights and sounds of Halloween can startle or frighten a pet. Frequently scan the ground for dropped candy that your pet may want to consume.

5. If you dress your pet for Halloween, make sure the outfit is roomy, reflective and fire retardant – lit pumpkins or candles may line house walkways, creating a fire hazard. Also, make certain that your pet’s costume doesn’t include easily accessible parts that could be chewed off and swallowed. Be careful with masks and capes that tie on to your pet; a piece of costuming tied too tight could cut off circulation or choke your pet. To prevent your pet from stumbling while dressed up, avoid costumes that hang low, drag on the ground, or block your pet’s vision.

“A little extra care can make a significant difference in preventing tragic and potentially costly pet accidents this Halloween,” said Dr. Carol McConnell, vice president and chief veterinary medical officer for VPI. “Pet owners and pets should have a safe and sane Halloween this year – one celebrated with candy and costumes, not spoiled by clinics and claims.”