5 Halloween Pet Safety Tips You Need To Know
Regarding pet safety, Halloween should be full of treats, not tricks. These Halloween pet safety tips can help cats and dogs remain peaceful and content during the holiday of potentially toxic treats, strange sounds, and mask-wearing trick-or-treaters.
Tip 1: Keep cats and dogs out of the chocolate
Many of the best Halloween treats contain chocolate. Still, cats and dogs (including any adorable chocolate Labs) should not consume any of it, according to Ahna Brutlag, a veterinarian who answers queries about toxic substances for the Pet Poison Helpline.
With bags of chocolate treats in the kitchen and pantry, as well as bowls left out for trick-or-treaters and parties, the Pet Poison Helpline team ends up tallying how many pounds of chocolate has been consumed by pets in their toxic counseling calls every Halloween.
Avoid this headache this Halloween by avoiding chocolate and keeping pets away from candy bowls and sacks. If children are returning to your home this year with bags of candy, instruct them to keep their bounty away from pets on Halloween night and the days that follow.
Additional tips! The xylitol in sugar-free gum and candies is toxic to canines, and cats and dogs should also avoid raisins. Additionally, if a dog consumes a large quantity of individually wrapped chocolates, they may become lodged in the digestive tract. Keep all candy out of reach of curious animals.
Read: Summer Safety Tips for Animals to Beat the Heat
Tip 2: Keep pet Halloween costumes safe and uneaten.
If your pets do not panic when you attempt to place a sweater on them, you may be tempted to dress them up for Halloween. Have joy, Brutlag advises. (Need thoughts? We have you.)
“A lot of veterinary clinics will even launch their pet costume contests,” according to her.
However, pets can potentially ingest or gnaw on any loose parts. You do not want your dog to choke on his Frankenstein’s monster neck fastener, nor do you want your cat to nibble on his Dracula collar. In particular, avoid zippers and metal buckles, as they may contain toxic levels of zinc.
“If a button or zipper tag just passes through the pet, I don’t expect it to be a problem,” Brutlag asserts. “But if it stays in the digestive system, it can require surgery.”
Tip 3: Put out the candles and pumpkins
When we say “put out,” we mean “extinguish.” Accidental dogs and curious cats and kittens can single their fur or skin by getting too close to lit candles or pumpkins.
“Cats especially love to stick their noses in candles,” according to Brutlag.
Brutlag recommends opting for electric candles if you desire candlelight indoors.
Extra advice! If your cat or dog enjoys chewing and swallowing maize, remove dried corn cobs from your table decorations.
Tip 4: Get rid of glow sticks
Some animals tend to gnaw on glow sticks and jewelry, so keep these items out of their reach. These compounds can irritate the mouths of pets, particularly cats, and cause excessive, foamy salivation.
“It’s a very bitter, irritating sensation,” says Brutlag. “It is simple to treat by rinsing the mouth or administering a tasty substance to eliminate the foam.
Tip 5: Keep your pets indoors
Despite the fact that your shaggy Irish wolfhound or black cat may be the ideal pet for a werewolf or witch on Halloween, you may want to take a photo of them before venturing out. Taking them trick-or-treating in your neighborhood could make them uncomfortable, and attempting to walk a stressed-out pet, or worse, pursuing a runaway is not how you or your pet would like to spend the holiday.
If your cat tends to flee whenever the front door is opened or if your dog barks at every visitor, you should plan this Halloween to manage the commotion and activity of trick-or-treaters who ring your doorbell.
Consider keeping your cats and dogs away from the front door, sequestered in a specially designed interior room with a toy or another member of the family for companionship.
Brutlag spent the first two or three Halloweens with her anxious poodle in the kitchen, feeding the dog treats while her husband supervised trick-or-treaters. Now, she reports that her dog is relatively calm on Halloween, aided on occasion by anti-anxiety medication.
Also, ensure that your cats and canines have current identification tags in case they escape during the night.
Conclusion on Halloween Pet Safety Tips
In conclusion, Halloween can be a delightful time of year for people, but it also poses potential risks to our beloved pets. To ensure that Halloween is full of treats and not tricks for our furry friends, it’s crucial to take some precautions.
From keeping them away from toxic chocolates to making sure their costumes are safe, protecting them from open flames and glow sticks, and keeping them indoors in a secure environment, these Halloween pet safety tips can go a long way in ensuring your pets remain peaceful and content during this holiday. By following these guidelines, you can celebrate Halloween with your pets while keeping them safe and happy.
FAQs:
Why is chocolate harmful to pets on Halloween?
Chocolate contains theobromine, a substance that is toxic to cats and dogs. Even small amounts of chocolate can lead to serious health issues in pets, including vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially life-threatening conditions.
Why should pet costumes be safe and uneaten?
While dressing up your pets can be fun, it’s essential to ensure that their costumes don’t have loose parts that they could ingest or choke on. Avoid using costumes with zippers and metal buckles, as these may contain toxic materials like zinc.
Why are lit candles and pumpkins a concern for pets on Halloween?
Lit candles and pumpkins pose a risk to pets, as they can accidentally singe their fur or skin. Curious cats are especially prone to getting too close to candles, which can lead to burns or fires. Electric candles are a safer alternative for indoor decorations.
Why should we keep glow sticks away from pets?
Some pets tend to chew on glow sticks and jewelry, which can lead to mouth irritation, excessive salivation, and discomfort. Rinsing the mouth or offering a tasty substance can help alleviate the itch.
Why should we keep pets indoors on Halloween?
Halloween can be a stressful time for pets due to unusual sounds, costumes, and visitors. Keeping your pets indoors helps prevent them from getting frightened or escaping. It’s essential to create a secure and comfortable space for them, away from the front door, and ensure they have proper identification tags in case they do escape.