6-- Pawsitively Pets
- PET HEALTH HIGHLIGHTS- Halloween Safety Tips for Pets
While Halloween may be on the top of the list of favorite holidays for kids and adults alike, your pets don ' t share the enthusiasm. About as stressful as the 4th of July, Halloween poses its own risks and terrors for dogs and cats. Poison Control Centers and vets report a sharp increase in emergencies throughout this holiday. Here are some common sense precautions to help lessen the dangers and discomforts of Halloween.
Keep treats out of reach: All forms of chocolate can be dangerous, even lethal, for dogs and cats. Poisoning symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and seizures. Candy containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can also be poisonous to dogs. Even small amounts can cause life-threatening issues. Lock candy safely away. Kids might be tempted to stash it in their rooms, but a dog ' s keen sense of smell will no doubt lead him to discover it. If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, immediately call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control Center at( 888) 426-4435.
Keep glow sticks out of reach: While most of them are labeled as non-toxic, the liquid in glow sticks do have an extremely bitter taste and pets who puncture and bite into them may drool and have other weird reactions. A little treat or sip of milk will usually stop the taste reaction.
Make sure your pet has proper ID: Keep your pet identified and visible. Strange people in scary costumes can spook pets and cause them to bolt. Make sure your pet has a lighted or reflective collar on if you take him or her out after dark. Check to see if the information on the microchip or collar ' s ID tags are up-to-date, which can be a lifesaver for a lost pet. Sometimes people who have moved forget to contact the chip ' s manufacturer to alert them of their change of address.
Be cautious with costumes: Check the costume carefully to make sure it doesn ' t constrict movement, hearing, or the ability to breathe, bark, or meow. Be sure it doesn ' t have small pieces that can present a choking hazard. Never leave a costumed pet unattended.
Keep your pet calm: Keeping your dog or cat away from trick-or-treaters may not be enough during this holiday for pets with intense anxiety. If you suspect the stream of visitors and their costumes will send your pet over the edge, you should speak with your veterinarian about medicinal calming options. If sedatives are prescribed, test them beforehand to see how your pet will react.
Don ' t leave pets outside: Don ' t leave pets outside on Halloween. Nasty pranksters have been known to injure, steal, and even kill pets on Halloween night. Black cats are especially at risk of cruelty-related pranks. It ' s a good idea to keep your outdoor cats inside several days before and after Mischief Night and Halloween. Farm animals could also be a target. Check frequently on chickens, rabbits, goats, etc., and leave the area they sleep in well lit.
Confine your pet during Trick or Treat: Pets should be confined in a safe and quiet place, away from the door, which will be opening constantly for trick or treaters. Unusual costumes and loud kids are scary for our pets, and could provoke growling or biting. Putting pets away in a secure room will also prevent them from darting outside and possibly becoming lost.
Keep jack-o-lanterns, decorations, and wires out of reach: Lit pumpkins are an obvious danger, especially around curious cats and kitties who could risk burning themselves or knocking them over and causing a fire. Not so obvious dangerous decorations include fake blood( potentially poisonous), rubber eyeballs( choking hazard), fake cobwebs( can choke or entangle pets and wildlife), and strung wires and lights( possible life-threatening electric shock, or cuts from broken glass or plastic).
6-- Pawsitively Pets
- PET HEALTH HIGHLIGHTS- Halloween Safety Tips for Pets