‘Tis the season to be spooky! October is National Animal Safety and Protection Month and with Halloween just around the corner, we thought it would be a great time to share 5 tips to keep your pet safe this Halloween.
Keep decorations out of your pet’s reach
Garland, lights, and jack-o-lanterns can be dangerous. Dogs and cats are curious creatures who might see them as something new to play with. If your pet accidentally swallows a decoration, it could cause a bowel blockage. Bowel blockages are very serious and life-threatening.
While pumpkin does ‘spice’ up your pet’s diet, there are quite a few safety hazards with a candle lit jack-o-lantern. If you choose to display a candle lit pumpkin, make sure it is out of reach of your pet. Dogs and cats could easily burn themselves while checking out your favorite fall decoration. Here is a tip! Invest in a battery-operated candle that mimics a flame. Your pumpkin will have the same effect and will keep your pet safe.
Hide the chocolate!
Halloween calls for copious amounts of sweet snacks! If you plan on passing out candy or have children who plan on bringing home their treats, keep them in a safe space. Chocolate does have some caffeine, but has much higher amounts of theobromine, both of which dogs can't metabolize very well. It's the combination of caffeine and theobromine that helps contribute to severe illness. Side effects of your dog eating too much chocolate include seizures, irregular heart rate, and heart attack.
Watch out for anxiety
Trick-or-treating is fun for us, but may be stressful for your pet. If your pet suffers from social anxiety, make sure they are comfortable before the big day. You will have kids in costumes coming and going as well as lots of loud noises and screaming. These things could cause anxiety for your pet. Keep the holiday fun but safe for your pet by comforting them ahead of time. Keep them in a safe place in your home away from all the commotion.
If you can’t be around your pet while you’re passing out candy, consider getting a Snuggle Puppy or Snuggle Kitty. Snuggle Puppy and Snuggle Kitty naturally calms your pet by mimicking a warm, comfortable, furry best friend. While you’re passing out candy, your pet will be comforted by the Real-Feel Heartbeat and disposable heat pack.
Make sure costumes fit properly
Plan on having a matching costume with your pet? Dressing up your pet can be cute for pictures but may cause unnecessary stress. Wearing a costume should be fun! Make sure it isn’t too tight around your pet’s neck. It’s also important to make sure the costume doesn’t have pieces your pet can chew on and accidentally swallow. Signs of anxiety in your pet include but are not limited to panting, a tucked tail, and pacing around the house.
Keep your pet’s collar on
On Halloween you’ll be opening and closing your door quite a bit to pass out treats. Make sure your pet has their collar and ID tag on just in case they get nervous and bolt out behind you. It is never a bad idea to have your pet microchipped as well!
Make sure you have a fun and safe Halloween! Your pet wants to participate too. Check out ‘How to Keep Your Dog Entertained Indoors’ for more ideas and fun!
