Halloween can be a festive and fun time for children and
families. But for pets? Let's face it, it can be a downright nightmare. Forgo
the stress and dangers this year by following these 10 easy tips.
1.
Trick-or-treat candies are not for pets.
All forms of chocolate -- especially baking or dark chocolate
-- can be dangerous, even lethal, for dogs and cats. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning may
include vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and
seizures. Halloween candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can
also be poisonous to dogs. Even small amounts of xylitol can cause a sudden
drop in blood sugar and subsequent loss of coordination and seizures. And while
xylitol toxicity in cats has yet to be established, it's better to be safe than
sorry.
2.
Don't leave pets out in the yard on Halloween.
Surprisingly, vicious pranksters have been known to tease,
injure, steal, and even kill pets on Halloween night. Inexcusable? Yes! But
preventable nonetheless.
3.
Keep pets confined and away from the door.
Not only will your door be constantly opening and closing on
Halloween, but strangers will be dressed in unusual costumes and yelling loudly
for their candy. This, of course, is scary for our furry friends. Dogs are
especially territorial and may become anxious and growl at innocent
trick-or-treaters. Putting your dog or cat in a secure room away from the front
door will also prevent them from darting outside into the night … a night when
no one wants to be searching for a lost loved one.
4.
Keep your outdoor cats inside several days before and several days after
Halloween.
Black cats are especially at risk from pranks or other
cruelty-related incidents. In fact, many shelters do not adopt out black cats
during the month of October as a safety precaution.
5.
Keep Halloween plants such as pumpkins and corn out of reach.
Although they are relatively nontoxic, such plants can induce gastrointestinal upset
should your pets ingest them in large quantities. Intestinal blockage can even
occur if large pieces are swallowed. And speaking of pumpkins …
6.
Don't keep lit pumpkins around pets.
Should they get too close, they run the risk of burning
themselves or knocking it over and causing a fire.
7.
Keep wires and electric light cords out of reach.
If chewed, your pet could cut himself or herself on shards of
glass or plastic, or receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock.
8.
Don't dress your pet in a costume unless you know they'll love it.
If you do decide that Fido or Kitty needs a costume, make
sure it isn't annoying or unsafe. It should not constrict movement, hearing, or
the ability to breathe or bark and meow.
9.
Try on pet costumes before the big night.
If they seem distressed, allergic, or show abnormal behavior,
consider letting them go in their “birthday suit”. Festive bandanas usually
work for party poopers, too.
10.
IDs, please!
If your dog or cat should escape and become lost, having the
proper identification will increase the chances that they will be returned.
Just make sure the information is up-to-date, even if your pet does have one of
those fancy-schmancy embedded microchips.
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