Halloween is almost here. We have some tips to keep the holiday safe for our pets.
1) Lock candy safely away. Dogs have an incredible sense of smell. If you buy that Halloween candy early, he WILL find your stash. If you kids have candy left after Trick or Treating and keep it in their room, he WILL find the sack. The biggest dangers in the candy are the chocolate, xylitol sweeteners, and the wrappers. I have seen problems with all 3.
2) Don’t leave glow sticks lying around. Glow sticks are a handy safety device to have around for the kids to wear while Trick or Treating, but some pets, especially cats, love to play with them. Most have a non-toxic liquid, that is bitter, but still some pets will bite them, race around the house and drool.
3) Keep your pet identified and visible. If you take your dogs out Trick or Treating, make sure they stay on a leash, with a reflective collar. It can be frightening out there with strange scary costumed children. Or better yet, leave them at home unless they like Halloween, walking in the dark, noise, and lots of strangers.
4) Calm your pet. Many dogs and cat have rough time on Halloween with the doorbell ringing and noisy strangers at the door. It makes them go a little crazy trying to alert and protect the family. Why not give them the night “off” and keep in the back bedroom, away from the door, with a loud TV show on for distraction? Some pets even need calming pheromones like Adaptil or prescription medicines to make it through the night. Ask your vet ahead of time if medicines are needed.
5) Check those costumes. Dressing up pets is just fun. Even I have indulged in a costume for my little black terrier, Sally. If you are planning on dressing up your fur baby, make sure that the costume fits well, isn’t going to slip and tangle the pet, or cause a choking hazard if chewed on. Never leave a costumed pet unattended. Or you might have a trip to the pet emergency room!
https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/top-5-halloween-safety-tips-vets-and-pets
