Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween can be a stressful and frightening time for dogs and cats, especially for puppies and kittens that have never experienced this event.  Think of it from their perspective; their humans are dressed weirdly, strange people with children continuously ring the doorbell usually wearing even stranger costumes, and the smell of candy and temptations are all over the house.  This can be confusing for any dog or cat.

In order to make this holiday safe and fun for you and your pets you should consider the following:

• All Halloween candy should be stored safely out of your dog or cat's reach.  Not only can eating candy cause upset stomach, it can damage their teeth and raise their blood sugar.  Most importantly though, Chocolate is toxic to dogs and can cause DEATH.
• Be cautious when walking your dog on the days before and after Halloween, as candy wrappers and lollipop sticks left on the streets can be a chocking hazard.
• Keep pumpkins away from your curious pets - A pet can easily knock over a candle-lit pumpkin and start a fire.
• Do not leave your pet unattended in your front or backyard in the weeks before, and for at least 5 days after Halloween, as the pranks committed against pets can be vicious.  Black and dark gray cats are particularly at risk.
• If your dog or cat is normally anxious when the doorbell rings, imagine their reaction to a steady stream of Trick-or-Treaters.  Consider keeping your pets secured safely in another room to reduce their anxiety, and to prevent them from seeing costumes that may frighten them further.  If your pet is not anxious by the doorbell, you can leave your pet unsecured, but pay close attention that their curiosity doesn't get the better of them, and they do not run after Trick-or-Treaters into the street.  It is always wise that your pet wears identification like, Pet Tags Lost Pet Recovery System - Silver Heart (1"Height; Silver; Heart) in case this should ever happen, as pets with IDs are more likely to be returned safely.
• If you decide to take your dog Trick-or-Treating with you, please be sure that he/she is on a leash, wearing an ID tag, and that you are very mindful of the folks in costumes you may run-into, as they might frighten your dog.  A good practice for you when you sense your dog is stressed, or anxious is to walk-around people on the sidewalk vs. walking directly into their path.  This lowers a dog's anxiety as it removes the confrontational aspect from the situation.  Additionally, making light of the teenager dressed as Freddy Crougar, or the 8 year old dressed as a giant bumble bee, and you should  remain very relaxed.  This will also show your dog that if you are not worried about it he/she does not need to be either.

• Despite how much fun it is for you to get dressed up not all dogs and cats appreciate it. If you decide to put a costume on your pet I would first make sure that nothing about the costume could interfere with your pet's breathing, or ability to see.  I would also take special care in ensuring that no parts of the costume could tangle, or choke your pet.  Additionally, I would never leave the pet unattended while in costume.  If it is your first time putting clothing, or a costume on your pet I would take a moment to read Halloween Costumes 101, and Halloween Pet Costumes.

Have a Happy and Safe Halloween from the PetAmore.com Team!