Halloween Pet Safety

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With Halloween upon us, it's time for a reminder to keep your pets safe. While some pets enjoy going out for a walk (on a leash!) with the kids while they're Trick or Treating, most dogs and cats do not enjoy the noise and the unaccustomed activity. There are too many potential dangers lurking.

Candy will make your dog sick. And far.  Chocolate, which contains theobromine, can be lethal to dogs and cats. Keep them away from the children's treats. You may think it's cute but a sick pet and a high vet bill aren't much fun at all. Not just candy but sugarless chewing gum is also lethal to pets.

Photo by Gary Rohde

The ringing of the doorbell and the door constantly opening and closing don't bode well for your pet. Even a dog with a reliable recall can escape in all the  confusion. That last think you want s for your dog or cat to leave the house. Be sure they have a tag and a microchip for safety and your cat's tags are on a breakaway collar. You don't want to allow children to swoop down on them. 

Some pets wear costumes for Ha.lloween it is, conservatively, a multi-billion dollar business. Let's talk about those costumes. Never put anything on your dog or cat that will inhibit his mobility. If he can't walk easily in it, don't buy it. One should never cover up the years of a dog or cat. Cats especially, need to be able to rotate their ears to gather information. If you insist upon dressing up your dog or cat, you can find a nice teeshirt with a Halloween design on it.

Patrol the floor for small toys and other things your dog or cat could pick up and swallow. Halloween decorations can also cause the same problem.

Photo: Frank Incremona

If you're having a Halloween Party for grown-ups, it is not funny for your guests to give your pets liquor to drink. Nor is it allowable for your guests to try to scare your pets.

The safest place for your cat or dog is in a room with the door closed, the television or radio on to help distract from the other noises. They will need fresh water, toys, a scratcher for your cat, beds on which to rest, perhaps some food or, better yet, a toy that dispenses food to keep them occupied.  You can check in on them every so often. You'll probably be happy to spend a few quiet, calm minutes with them.  

You want your pets to have some of the fun of Halloween but think about whether or not this is really going to be fun for your pet. Keeping him safe and happy is your responsibility.   

Have a Happy and SAFE Halloween.      

AAFP HALLOWEEN TIPS

The American Association of Feline Practitioners has Halloween tips for every cat owner. They spent the day running a contest for a cat to go on their info graphic.  The Winner, seen below, is Dusty, dressed up as The Cat in The Hat.  Before dark falls and the Trick or Treating begins, this info graphic is a nice supplement to my cat & dog Halloween Safety Post earlier this week.

Halloween & Your Pets Plus the Chuckit Toy Winner!

HALLOWEEN

Photo by Claire Clayton 

With Halloween only a few days away it's time to give some extra thought to your dogs and cats. While children find this holiday fun and many adults enjoy it, most dogs and cats are less than thrilled.

Some dogs enjoy getting dressed up and going out with the kids. If you have one of those dogs, be sure the dog's costume allows him to see and breath and allows his legs to move easily. 

Photo by Jim Stagg

If your dog is shy, not good around loud noises (like kids screaming), costumes, lots of people milling about, then do your dog a favor and don't make him participate in Halloween activities.

Your dog will be happier and safer indoors, in a room of his own with the door closed, toys to play with, a comfy place to nap if he can do that with the doorbell ringing and children shouting. Keep a radio on in the room. He should have a dish of water and, perhaps a puzzle toy with treats inside.

Your kitty, too, will be much happier and safer in a room of her own with a litterbox just in case, water and food, scratching post (or horizontal cardboard scratcher), a safe place to nap even if it's just a cardboard box with a towel on the bottom for an impromptu nap. Kitty, too, will appreciate a radio.

Cat with a Wig - Not a good idea to
cover the cat's ears!

Don't allow your cat or dog to have any of the candy that you're giving out or that your kids bring home. It's not good for them and you don't want to have to make a trip to the veterinarian! 

If you're having a party in your home, a separate room of their own is going to be the safest place under those circumstances, too. Being underfoot, or being fed something they shouldn't eat (or drink!) but a guest who thinks it's "funny," is not going to make you or your companion happy.

Having your companions closed off in another room will also save you the worry of your dog or cat escaping through the door and getting lost, or possibly hit by a car. Safety is an important issue.

Photo by Linda Aronson

Have fun on Halloween but don't let it be a disaster for your pet.

Now for the moment you've been waiting for - the winner of last week's giveaway - a Chuckit LIGHTPLAY Toy by Petmate Products http://www.petmate.com that will provide lots of fun for our winner and their dog.  

And the Winner is:

lchaimcanine

Please send me your name and mailing address via my website: http://www.darlenearden.com so I can pass it along and the toy will be on its way to you!

Thank you to everyone who entered.