Pet safety rules for Halloween

Pet safety rules for Halloween

Halloween is just around the corner and this is the right time to prepare your pets for the fun occasion.  Even though we all enjoy the occasion, we do not know what our pets are going through or what can be in store for them. It is the time when a lot of strangers in costumes are coming to your door that can be unsettling for pets.

Pet owners need to care for their four-legged friends so they do not get injured or ill or lost. The sight of strangers can be scary for pets, and they may bark a lot which could be embarrassing. The dogs may also run away if they get scared of Halloween costumes and may get lost.

Here are some tips to keep pets safe this Halloween:

Keep Halloween treats out of sight

Hide the candy bowl for trick-or-treaters from pets. It can be enjoyed by the pets behind your back and some of these treats can make them very ill or even cause death if eaten in large amounts. Chocolate, raisins, and xylitol can damage pet health and send them to the animal hospital. This means unexpected expenses, so it is better to be safe than sorry. Chocolate is toxic for pets and only small amounts of milk chocolate are fine. Raisins on the other hand can cause kidney damage. Xylitol is used in candies as a sugar substitute and a small amount of xylitol can be fatal to dogs and cats. So as a rule of thumb, keep all candies hidden from pets. If your dog or cat eats anything toxic call your veterinarian ASAP. It is a good idea to look up some pet-safe Halloween recipes, so you can make something safe for it.

Do not forget pet identification

All dogs need a pet ID these days so they can be found when lost. Use a collar with the pet's name and your number or get it microchipped. ID tags also help with pet recovery. Dogs tend to run away when they see an open door. While opening the door for trick-or-treaters do ensure your pet is in a room away from the front door so it does not run outside. ID tags and microchips can save your pet's life when it gets lost.  Update contact information so they can be returned home quickly by someone who finds them.

Keep all decor out of pet's reach

All Halloween decor needs to be placed safely. Decorations look very attractive on Halloween and can be checked out by curious pets. This can lead to accidents. Candles have an open flame and if it gets tipped over by the house cat or dog, it can start a fire or burn your pet's fur. So, ensure the flame is kept at a height away from the paws of pets.  Wires are another thing that can cause health issues. Puppies love to chew and if they chew on cords they can get mouth burns. Decor items can also make it to the intestinal tract of pets where they can get stuck. So, keep all the decorations out of the pet's reach. Pumpkins and decorative corn are not toxic but can cause stomach discomfort in pets who may chew on them. Pumpkin and its seeds are safe for dogs and cats only in small quantities. If you find a chunk of the pumpkin rind missing, call the vet clinic right away.

Ensure pet costumes are cute but not dangerous

Some costumes may not be right for your pets but may look adorable. These need to fit right and allow easy body movement. Pets take stress when they get bothered by tight-fitting costumes that can cause trouble breathing. They may not like it at all but have no way of telling you. If the pet ingests pieces of the costume it may need to visit the animal hospital. If you know your pet well enough and know it likes the costume, then go ahead and dress him up for Halloween. The garment needs to allow easy body movement, easy breathing, barking, and meowing. It is a good idea to let the pet wear the costume before Halloween a few times so it gets used to it.

This Halloween follows all safety rules for pets and makes sure your dog is locked in a room if it dislikes strangers. Keep it busy with dog treats and TV in its safety zone. Happy Halloween!

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