Halloween is an exciting time for many. Children love to get dressed up. Many pet parents enjoy dressing up their beloved pets, too. That being said, costumes and candy can be quite dangerous for our favorite companions.
Want to keep your pet safe? Here are some tips to do so.
Be careful when it comes to Halloween treats.
Though most people know that chocolate can be dangerous to pets, the truth is that it is not the only thing that you shouldn’t feed your pets. Some bubble gums have Xylitol, which can be fatal to dogs. Raisins are also toxic and can damage your pet’s kidneys.
Halloween costumes can also pose a danger to pets.
Many costumes can be pretty complicated and may look like a chew toy for your beloved dog. There are also various extras, such as swords and other decorative items. Not only can these be harmful if eaten, but they may also cause internal injury or even illness.
Decorations can be just as bad for them.
You should never have lit candles around your pets. If one knocks over the pumpkin, you have to worry about a fire. Other decorations can be harmful if eaten. This may include fake cobwebs, blood, or even rubber eyeballs. Glow sticks can also be dangerous if chewed on! Candy wrappers can also become hazardous if left around for your dog or cat to get into.
When choosing a costume, choose carefully.
Always buy a costume that fits your pet well. You want to ensure that your pet feels comfortable in it and can move around reasonably well.
You also want to ensure that your pet can see well and breathe comfortably in any costume you put on them. If you plan on taking your pet out trick-or-treating, make sure that he or she is accustomed to the costume before spending hours in it.
Know your pet’s comfort level.
You need to know how your pet will be before Halloween. If your pet doesn’t like strangers, you may have to lock him or her up in a bedroom so that you can hand out candy to all the children who come. You may even want to secure any outside cats that are easily startled by commotion.
Make it hard to lose your pet.
With children coming and going, and a lot happening, many pets become anxious and may escape from the house. For this reason, your pet needs to have a collar with your contact information on it so they can be easily returned. You may want to consider getting a microchip, which will help any lost pets find their way home.
Though you may be super excited for Halloween, it can be a difficult time for your pets. Halloween candy and even wrappers can be toxic to pets, as can many of the decorations people love, including fake blood and cobwebs.
You may even be excited to dress up your pet, but you need to choose carefully. You want to buy a costume that fits well and is comfortable. If you plan to take your dog trick-or-treating, it’s also a good idea to get them used to it before the day.
You also need to be careful when you have trick-or-treaters come to your home. You may want to lock your dog in a bedroom so that he or she doesn’t escape. That being said, a collar with some identification and a microchip is always a good idea.
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Please note, the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately.