Halloween Safety Tips for Pets and their Parents
Halloween! It’s a glorious time for children and many adults, though it can be a scary and stressful time for our pets. As pet parents we know our pets best and we should remember a few tips to keep them safe.
How does your dog react to the doorbell or knocking at the door?
If your dog reacts it’s best to keep them in a quiet and safe place to keep stress to a minimum. If there is somewhere safe and secure in your house where they could spend the evening without hearing the commotion then you should consider this. It will prevent them from running out the door with the many trick-or-treaters that will haunt your doorstep. Make sure throughout the night you check in on your dog as well to relieve them and give them water.
Maybe your dog is alright with the doorbell and you’ll allow them to roam free in your home but be sure to keep them from the door if costumes will confuse or frighten them. Even the most relaxed of dogs may react to costumes in an aggressive or fearful way. Be sure to block them from the door when treaters come by.
We all know that candles are a fie hazard. But many think of carved pumpkins as a safer alternative. This really isn’t the case. Wagging tails and/or spooked cats running through the house can accidentally bump into them causing them to fall which can lead to a burn or fire. Even if they don’t fall, your pet risks fire to themselves. The protected candle can offer them a false sense of security as well. If you possibly think your dog is too excitable or your cat scared and want to keep the pumpkins without the hazard, LED candles are a great substitute.
Keep your pets indoors on Halloween night to avoid teasing kids or kids that may toss candy to the pets. Black cats should especially stay in as well. Animals are at risk for cruel treatment by some pranksters. So to avoid missing/injured pets keep a close eye on them.
If dressing your pet in costume, please remember that if they are unused to being dressed, the costume will undoubtedly cause them to behave differently. The sensation of having something wrapped around them can make them feel restricted even if they aren’t. This uncertainty can have them behave more aggressively in a form of bravado to compensate for the handicap they feel in movement.
When the night has come to a close and you’re going through your child’s candy make sure to keep it out of reach of your pets. We all now the danger presented with chocolates but please don’t underestimate the damage that can be caused by Candies, gums, mints, baked goods and anything containing sugar-free sweetener. These are all especially poisonous which can lead to low blood sugar and liver failure.
With a few precautions and common sense, Halloween can be a fun time for the entire family along with our pets. If you happen to see any animal cruelty going on be sure to contact animal authorities to keep everyone safe.
Many pet parents consider having their pet stay at a safe and caring pet resort over Halloween. This is definately a safe and stress free option for everyone, and a fun and special “treat” for your pet.
However you choose to have your family remain safe and stress free , Have a Happy Halloween.
…..Jenn Dahinten has been involved in health and pet care for over 20 years and is currently a part of the caring team at The Royal Pets Hotel & Spa, a 5 star Pet Hotel just north of Toronto in Barrie, Ontario.
