Halloween is the favorite holiday of many pet owners. After all, there are pet costumes to be picked out, and manning the door on trick-or-treat (or walking around with your kids and pets to collect treats) is a fun experience.
However, keeping your pets safe can be a challenge when they are so many potential issues that are related to candy, kids walking around in costume, and people approaching your door. Follow these guidelines to ensure a safe and happy Halloween for you and your pets.
· Don’t give your pet treats that are meant for people. Candy bars, chocolate, and other sweets and goodies that are given out around Halloween are NOT for your pets. In particular, dogs and cats can get chocolate poisoning, which can diarrhea and vomiting, and even seizures.
· Don’t leave your pets in the yard unless you’re with them. Lots of people hand out treats in their yard, on their porch, or from their driveway. If you bring your pet with you outside, always bring them back into the house with you, even if it will just be a short trip. Curious dogs may accept treats from strangers if you leave, even for just a moment. Also, if you have a black cat that is usually outdoors, bring them in. A black cat on Halloween may be too much of a target for pranksters.
· Pets should be kept in another room. If you stay in your house to give out candy, make sure that your pets cannot approach the door. Costumed characters may startle dog, cats, and other animals.
· Think of your pet’s costume. Some pet costumes, while adorable and funny, are also restrictive to pets. Some are tight around the neck area, while others make it difficult for your pet to walk around or call out for you. Put your pet’s costume on ahead of time to ensure that it’s safe for them.
· Watch your fall decorations. Pumpkins, gourds and other fall foods, like dried corn, aren’t good for your pets or their tummies. It’s also a good idea to get a battery-operated light for jack ‘o lanterns, because a pet can easily knock a pumpkin over that holds a flame.
· Watch your wires. Just like lighting for Christmas and other holidays, Halloween decorations have a lot of electrical cords that your pets – especially cats – may try to chew, leading to a nasty shock.
The veterinarians and staff at Animal Medical Center of Streetsboro serve the Streetsboro, Canton, Kent, Aurora, Akron, Twinsburg, Cuyahoga Falls, Hudson, Mantua, and Ravenna areas. Give us a call if you have any questions about Halloween-related issues or any other matter.
