Halloween is fast approaching! This is a fun holiday for the whole family but it can be a stressful, scary time for your pets. As you prepare , use some caution to make sure your pets stay happy and healthy.
- Make sure candy wrappers are thrown out promptly! Cats love to play with wrappers and dogs will try to eat them due to the smell of food. If ingested, these can cause intestinal blockages.
- Just say NO to giving your pet Halloween treats! Chocolate and artificial sweeteners such as xylitol are extremely toxic to pets. Symptoms of poisoning may include vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, and seizures. Keep Halloween candy in a safe place out of reach from your pets. If you suspect your pet has gotten into some Halloween candy, call your vet or the Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Use caution when choosing pet costumes. As adorable as it is to dress our pets up to join the festivities, it can cause some pets a great deal of anxiety. If your pet isn’t into it, don’t force it. If you do dress your pets, watch for small pieces that they could choke on and make sure the costume doesn’t inhibit their sight or movement.
- Keep Your Pets Inside. Some pets get easily spooked this time of year between creepy Halloween decorations and spooky goblins running around. To avoid your pet becoming overly stressed or trying to bolt, the safest place for them is inside, away from all of the commotion until trick or treating winds down for the night. Some pets get freaked out by the sound of the doorbell. If this is the case or if you have cats who like to sneak out, be sure to keep them in a closed up room or in their crate for the evening. Even when taking precautions, accidents can happen, so make sure that your pets have their collars and ID tags on. These can be a lifesaver and ensure your pet is returned home safe should they get out.
- Halloween Decorations. Be sure to keep wires and cords tucked away safely. Use extra caution when placing out candles and Jack-O-Lanterns to avoid fire hazards or burns. Curious kittens and dogs can easily get into trouble and knock these over.
Use these tips to make Halloween can be a fun time for both people and pets. Happy Haunting!