Neighbor News
Things You Can Do to Make Halloween Safer for Your Pet
Halloween safety tips for dog and pets, chocolate poisonous to dogs, candy overdose, managing your pets with strangers and open doors
Things You Can Do to Make Halloween Safer for Your Pet
Halloween can be stressful time for pets, with strangers ringing the bell, open doors and sweet, unhealthy snacks just a grab away. This year, follow our simple tips to keep your pet safe during this Halloween.
- Don't feed your pets Halloween candy, especially if it contains chocolate or xylitol (a common sugar substitute found in sugar-free candies and gum);
- Make sure your pet is properly identified (microchip, collar and ID tag) in case s/he escapes through the open door while you're distracted with trick-or-treaters;
- Keep lit candles and jack-o-lanterns out of reach of pets;
- If you plan to put a costume on your pet, make sure it fits properly and is comfortable, doesn't have any pieces that can easily be chewed off, and doesn't interfere with your pet's sight, hearing, breathing, opening its mouth, or moving. Take time to get your pet accustomed to the costume before Halloween, and never leave your pet unsupervised while he/she is wearing a costume;
- Keep glow sticks and glow jewelry away from your pets. Although the liquid in these products isn't likely toxic, it tastes really bad and makes pets salivate excessively and act strangely;
- If your pet is wary of strangers or has a tendency to bite, put him/her in another room during trick-or-treating hours or provide him/her with a safe hiding place;
- Keep your pet inside.
Remember, we are always here to help! Dr. Sawires, Blue Cross Animal Hospital in Croydon.
