Maple Veterinary Hospital

Halloween

Safety Tips for your Pet

  
Halloween can be fun and festive for people, but for pets it can also be dangerous. Here are some tips from Maple Veterinary Hospital to help you ensure that your pet has a happy and safe Halloween...
Don't leave your pet outside unattended on Halloween (or on the days preceding or following this holiday). Bring your dog inside, even if you have a fenced yard or invisible fence. Halloween pranks committed against pets can be vicious, and black cats are particularly at risk.
Halloween treats are for people, not pets. Many pets become very sick and some die from eating chocolate at Halloween. Candy wrappers and lollipop sticks can be hazardous if swallowed. Make sure that all candy is kept well away from your pets, including used wrappers.
Keep jack-o-lanterns out of reach of curious noses and paws. Pets may knock over a lit pumpkin and cause a fire. Pumpkins are fine, just not in a location where your dog could accidentally knock it over, or where your curious kitten could singe off fur and whiskers.
Despite how much fun it is for people, many pets don't enjoy getting dressed up for Halloween. Experiment first to see if your pet likes being in a costume. If he shows any resistance, it’s better not to dress up your pet – there is enough stress for pets around Halloween without adding the discomfort of wearing a costume. If you do dress your pet, be sure that its costume doesn't interfere with the pet's ability to breathe, see, hear, move, or bark. Keep a look out for small, dangling, or easily chewed-off pieces on the costume that your pet could choke on.
Consider keeping your pet in a separate room, away from the door, when trick-or-treaters arrive. Strange people in even stranger clothes can frighten some pets. If you allow your dog at the front door to greet trick-or-treaters, make sure he’s on a leash, since his reactions to visitors in masks may be unpredictable. Even very gentle dogs can become aggressive when scared, which can result in a bite. It’s best to be safe, rather than sorry.
When you do answer the door for visitors, make sure that your pet doesn't suddenly head for the great outdoors. Again, wearing a leash will prevent escapees. In case your pet does escape, make sure that it is wearing proper identification – tags or a microchip. Pets with identification are much more likely to be returned to their owners.
Keep wires and cords from electric lights and other decorations out of reach of your pets. If chewed, your pet could experience damage to his mouth from shards of glass or plastic, or receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock.
Have fun, but think of your pet’s safety. If you want your pet involved in Halloween festivities, think about safety as much as you would with your own child. Your pet does not understand Halloween and needs you to provide for his protection!
For more information and tips about holiday safety for pets, call or visit Maple Veterinary Hospital. Remember, your veterinarian is your very best source for advice on keeping your pet safe, healthy, and happy!