As pet owners, we all want to enjoy Halloween with our furry friends, but it's important to remember that this holiday can be dangerous for them, with tempting treats, hazardous costumes, and anxiety with every knock.
Here are some tips to help keep your pets safe during this festive time:
1. Keep candy out of reach: We all know how much our pets love treats, but Halloween treats are a big NO. Chocolate, raisins, sugar-free candy, and more can be extremely toxic, even in small amounts, so make sure to keep it out of reach.
If you believe your dog ate candy, call us immediately at 705-428-3287.
If it is after hours call Huronia Veterinary Emergency Clinic at 705-722-0377.
There is also the 24/7 Animal Poison Control Center at 855-764-7661 or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) at 1-888-426-4435 (fees may apply)
2. Avoid costumes: While it may be tempting to dress up your pet for the occasion, not all animals enjoy wearing costumes. You know your pet best and maybe your anxious dog isn't as keen on that perfect fall photo as you are.
If you decide to dress up your pet, make sure the costume fits properly and doesn't restrict their movement, breathing, hearing, eyesight, or the ability to eat food or drink water.
3. Keep decorations out of reach: Halloween decorations can be hazardous to pets, especially if they are made of plastic or other materials that can be easily chewed and swallowed. Keep decorations out of reach and keep intestinal blockage off of your Halloween tales.
4. Keep pets inside: Halloween can be a noisy and scary time for pets, with people in costumes flooding the neighborhood and your front step. It is best to keep your pets in a separate room of the house, away from the front door. This will help prevent them from getting scared or becoming lost. (Now is also a good time to make sure your pets’ microchips and rabies tags are up-to-date!)
5. Medication can help: If your dog or cat can't manage comfortably - give us a call. We have a magic bag of tricks that will manage their fear.
Overall, it's important to be proactive about your pet's safety. By taking the necessary precautions, you can help to ensure that your furry friend has a safe and happy Halloween.
