Can’t wait for Halloween? Your pet may not share your excitement. And it’s not just the indignity of those ridiculous costumes. Here is a list of the top 5 Halloween safety risks for dogs and cats.
- Halloween treats with chocolate or xylitol (a common sweetener) can poison your pet. Keep candy and treats up high and away from pets.
- When trick-or-treaters flood your porch, your dog or cat may panic and escape out the door. So keep your pet inside and away from the ghosts and goblins. Keep them in a safe room or use pet gates to restrict their getting to the front door. Even the most kid-friendly pets can be overwhelmed and scared, leading them to growl, snap, or bolt.
- Electrical décor and wires and can invite chewing and turn deadly. Pets can also get tangled up in the cords causing injury.
- Wrappers, strings, and foil in your pet’s tummy can cause illness or blockages. Discard wrappers immediately into a trash receptacle.
- More than any other time of year, cats (and dogs) are targets of pranks and abuse. Keep pets indoors and safe. Let outdoors with supervision.
Make sure your pet has proper identification Here is the LuckyPet Pet ID Tag Glow in The Dark ghost ID tag. Microchips are recommended along with ID tags.
Not all pets tolerate a costume. If you still want your pet to sport a seasonal costume, make sure it doesn’t interfere with his vision, movement, or going to the bathroom. Try it on him a time or two before the big day, and if he struggles and shows distressed behavior, consider just a festive bandana. If he or she likes wearing a costume, here are some favorite picks.
If you feel your pet could benefit from a calming aid, here are some favorites: Vet’s Best Comfort Calm Calming Soft Chews Dog Supplements ThunderWunders Calming Chews