The season has come for little ghouls and goblins to start ringing the doorbell looking for tricks and treats. For many of our 4-legged friends, Halloween can be a frightening time of year but there are some simple things you can do to keep your furry family members safe and happy.
1. Prevent runaways: Make sure your pets have up to date identification (collar and tags, microchips, etc). Pets can easily escape through open doors while the owners are distracted by trick or treaters. Better yet, provide your pets with a safe room or crate during trick or treat hours to avoid stress and any potential escape artists.
2. Practice fire safety: Keep your pets away from lit candles or jack-o-lanterns lit with candles. Pets can accidentally knock these over and increase the risk of starting a fire. Also keep exposed wires and electrical cords out of the reach of your pets. Many puppies and kittens love to chew and could risk being shocked or injured.
3. Don’t share your treats: Be sure to store candy as well as the candy wrappers away from curious pets. Chocolate and xylitol (often used in sugar free candy and gum) are toxic to dogs. Candy wrappers especially those with tin foil can get stuck in the digestive tract and make your pet seriously ill.
4. Playing dress up: Some animals love to dress up, but others may become distressed. Before purchasing a costume for your furry friend, try it on first to see how it fits and gauge your pet’s reaction. Pinned back ears, rolled eyes, tail tucking, licking of the lips, shaking, whining are all signs your pet may be distressed. For those pets that don’t mind partaking in the festivities, make sure there is plenty of room for your pet to move freely and that the costume doesn’t cover your pets eyes, nose or mouth (if possible avoid using masks). Remove any chewable objects that may become choking hazards or stuck in their digestive tracts if swallowed.
5. Create a safe space: Keep your pets inside and give them a safe place to spend the evening with plenty of food/water. This is true for all pets, but especially true with cats because many pets are the victim of teasing, cruel tricks or rituals. It’s always safer to err on the side of caution and keep your pets inside. Even well-trained dogs can become spooked or aggressive with the noise and confusion of Halloween.
6. Let the party begin: Holiday parties can be lots of fun, but costumes and masks can make even the most familiar of faces appear frightening to your furry family members. If you are having a party, give your pet a safe room or space to stay in during the festivities. Also, be aware that alcohol poisoning in pets is more common than you may think. Never give your pets alcohol.
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