Attention, animal lovers, it’s almost the spookiest night of the year! Homely Petz recommends taking some common sense precautions this Halloween to keep you and your pet safe on this night of ghouls and fun.
1. No tricks, no treats: That bowl of candy is for trick-or-treaters, not for Fido and Miss Kitty. Chocolate in all forms—especially dark chocolate—can be very dangerous for dogs and cats. Sweets containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can also cause problems. If you do suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please call your veterinary clinic urgently for advice.
2. Popular Halloween plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn are considered to be relatively nontoxic, but they can produce stomach upset in pets who decide to nibble on them.
3. Wires and cords from electric lights and other decorations should be kept out of reach of your pets. If chewed, your pet might suffer cuts or burns, or receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock.
4. A carved pumpkin certainly is fun and festive, but do be careful if you choose to add a candle. Pets can easily knock a lit pumpkin over and cause a fire. Curious kittens especially run the risk of getting burned or singed by candle flames.
5. Dress-up can be a big mess-up for most pets. Please don’t put your dog or cat in a costume UNLESS you know he or she loves it (yup, a few pets are real suckers for it!). For pets who prefer their “birthday suits,” however, wearing a costume may cause undue stress. If you are unsure do not dress your pet.
6. Tell all your visitors to the door or at your party to give your pet space and to respect your pet, too much excitement or a child or person who is unfamiliar with pet behaviour may unwittingly stress your pet, and a stress pet may bite! Watch your pets at all times.
7. Make sure nobody is feeding your pets titbits from the trick or treat bowl, or offering a “bobbing apple” that has been soaking in something a little stronger than 7-Up, fun and frolics means people let their guard down and sometimes do silly things without thinking.
8. All but the most social dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room away from the front door during peak trick-or-treating hours. Too many strangers can be scary and stressful for pets.
9. When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, take care that your cat or dog doesn’t dart outside.
10. IDs, please! Always make sure your dog or cat has proper identification. If for any reason your pet escapes and becomes lost, a collar and tags and/or a microchip can be a lifesaver, ensuring the municipality tag is on their collar is a must, increasing the chances that he or she will be returned to you.
Article courtesy of Homely Petz
