Originally published on Poway Patch Oct. 22:
Halloween offers a lot of spine-tingling fun for us and our families, but it also presents certain hazards for our pets. Here are some helpful
tips on how you can keep your pet safe, relaxed and healthy this
Halloween:
Pet costumes: Dogs and cats dressed in Halloween costumes are
adorable, but be mindful of the attire you pick for your pet. Avoid
tight clothing or straps that might restrict their breathing, and make
sure you supervise your pet at all times so they don’t get tangled up in
or chew on their costume (this could cause a choking hazard).
Treats: Those tasty Halloween treats are toxic to our pets.
Chocolate is the obvious danger, but Xylitol, a chemical used to sweeten
many candies, can cause low blood sugar or liver failure if your pet
consumes even the smallest amount. Keep candy out of your pet’s reach,
and keep a watchful eye over your pets if your youngsters like to spread
out their sweet treasures on the floor. Wrappers and lollipop sticks
pose choking hazards or can cause obstructions, so stash your trash to
avoid any accidents.
Trick-or-Treat: Trick-or-treating is a fun family activity,
but leave your pets at home. The loud noises and crowds of little people
in spooky costumes and masks can give your pet a scare, so they’ll be
happier in the safety of their own home. If you have trick-or-treaters
coming to your door, keep your pets in a safe, quiet place away from the
constant activity. As always, make sure they are wearing proper
identification and are microchipped in case they bolt out the open door.
Decorations: Halloween is definitely a fun holiday to decorate
for, but those Jack-o-Lanterns, plastic skeletons and cobwebs can be
dangerously enticing to our pets. Keep them out of reach if possible,
and supervise them at all times. If you have Jack-o-Lanterns, consider
using battery-operated candles instead of flame candles, which will be a
serious fire danger if your pet knocks them over.
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