Halloween can be a fun time for children and families even your pet. But during this fun time there are stress and dangers during this time of year that can effect your furry loved one.
Trick-or-treat candies are not for pets
- All forms of Chocolate are dangerous and lethal for dogs and cats
- Candies and Peanut butter containing Xylitol an artificial sweetener can also be poisonous to dogs
- Symptoms of chocolate poisoning may include, diarrhea, vomiting, rapid breathing, increased heart rate and seizures
- Be prepared Animal Poison Control Hot Line
Keep your Pets inside during Halloween
- Unfortunately this time of year there are pranksters that can do harm to your pet if left outdoors. Your pets can be stolen, injured,teased, or even let out of the yard. So be safe and keep your pets indoors
Keep Pets away from the Door
- Doors will be constantly opening and closing on Halloween. There will be lots of noise from children dressed in costumes as well as strangers approaching your door. This can be very scary to your pet. Dogs can be very territorial and at times can become anxious and growl at the visitors at the door and may even try to nip someone at the door
- Keep your pet safe by putting them in a room that is quite and secure or even putting your pet in a crate
Keep your outdoor cats inside several days before and several days after Halloween
- Black cats are especially at risk from pranks or other cruelty-related incidents
- Many shelters do not adopt out black cats during the month of October as a safety precaution
Keep Halloween plants such as pumpkins and corn out of reach
- Although corn and pumpkin are relatively non toxic, should your pet consume a large amount they could cause an upset stomach
- Consuming large pieces of corn or pumpkin can also get stuck in your pets throat or if swallowed may cause a intestinal blockage
Keep lit Pumpkins and Wires out of reach of your Pets
- Pets can knock over the lit pumpkins and cause a fire and even injury themselves
- Wires and electrical cords can be chewed causing electric shock and also fragments of plastic can be consumed . This can cause a choking hazard or even an intestinal blockage
Don’t dress your pet in a costume
- Should you decide to dress your pet in a costume, make sure you have your pet try on the costume prior to Halloween.
- Make sure your pet is not annoyed with the costume,have your pet try on the costume prior to Halloween. Should your pet like wearing the costume, make sure the costume fits
- Pet costumes should not restrict there movements. Your pet should still be able to breathe normally with no restrictions.
- Make sure the costume is SAFE, and your pet cant pull things off the costume such as zippers, buttons,etc and swallow them causing a chocking hazard or worse an intestinal blockage
Identification for your Pet
- Should your pet get escape from your home, make sure they have a collar and identification tags on. Having the most current information on your pets tag will increase the chance of your pet being returned
- If your pet is micro chipped that is great, however you need to ensure that your pet has the proper identification on there collar. You want to ensure you have covered all basis to increase the chance for your pet to be returned to you
Disclaimer: “This content is strictly informational/opinion of the author and owner is not claiming to be an expert in this topic”. Consult your Veterinary Professional for all medical advice and treatment.