Halloween is right around the corner. The costumes are being fashioned, pumpkins carved and decorations put on display. The sun will soon set on October 31st and when it does, the neighborhood ghosts, ghouls, pirates and princesses will come out to play.
All-hallows-eve is a fun-filled night for the entire family, and for many pet owners, that means their furry loved ones, too. To keep your pets safe this Halloween, check out these Halloween Pet Safety Tips from DoodyCalls you can use take to ensure an enjoyable, stress-free evening.
Be careful with pet costumes
Have a test-run and try costumes on before Halloween night. Check to make sure it does not constrict movement or hearing, or restrict your pet’s ability to breathe, bark or meow. If a costume is too tight, it could cut off circulation or cause sores to develop. Loose-fitting outfits can cause your pet to trip or get caught on objects around the house. You should also make a point to remove any small or dangling accessories that could potentially be chewed and swallowed.
If the costume fits well and your pet seems happy with their new look, great! If, on the other hand, your pet seems distressed, consider foregoing the costume and letting them wear a festive bandanna or collar. Either way, be sure to keep an eye out at all times to make sure your pet stays safely dressed up throughout the evening.
Take your pooch for a walk early
Try to walk your pet before trick-or-treaters start their visits. Once night falls and the consumes begin parading, debris like discarded candy, wrappers, eggs and smashed pumpkins are more likely to be left on lawns and in the street. If you have a pet with an appetite, they may accidentally eat something they shouldn’t.
If you do have to take your dog out for a walk at night, pay close attention to them and keep a firm grip on the leash — dogs can be easily spooked by people in costumes.
Do not leave your pet outside
Even if you have a fenced in yard, you should not leave your pet unattended outside on Halloween night. With the commotion made by a constant flow of treat-or-treaters, pets can easily become frightened and agitated, and are more likely to bark and howl at passersby.
Trick-or-treaters who don’t know better may be tempted to give your dog candy and pets can also fall victim to pranksters looking for a laugh. Sadly, there are reports of taunting, poisonings and pet thefts across the country every year.
Find a comfortable space inside
Keeping your pet inside during Halloween is always a safe bet. For those with a fear of loud noises, a habit of excessive barking or aggressive tendencies, finding a quiet room as far away from your front door is best. To help them get comfortable, bring them into the room at least a half-hour before trick-or-treaters arrive. It’s also a good idea to give your pet a toy, favorite blanket or whatever comforts them most. These things will go a long ways towards keeping them calm during the commotion.
Involving your pet
If you’re planning on showing your pet’s costume off to trick-or-treaters, think about your dog’s typical reaction to visitors and take extra precautions for Halloween. The presence of costumed people can easily scare animals and with the door constantly opening, many get loose and run away.
Keep your pet on a leash on Halloween and make sure they are wearing an up-to-date I.D. tag.
Jack o’ lanterns and candles
Be cautious about where you place candles and jack-o-lanterns. These staple decorations can easily be knocked over by a wagging tail and accidentally start a fire or burn your pet.
Keep candy out of reach
Be sure to explain to everyone in your home (especially kids) how dangerous candy can be to your pet’s health. The digestive systems of cats and dogs are simply not cut out for chocolate and other sweets, which contain Theobromine and the artificial sweetener, Xylitol. While these chemicals are okay for humans to eat, they can be poisonous to pets, even the smallest amounts.
Keep candy out of your pet’s reach and caution children to do the same. Also try to be familiar with the symptoms of significant chocolate ingestion — excessive drooling, rapid heartbeat, vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity and in some cases, seizure.
This article is provided by the experts at DoodyCalls, the nation’s largest pet waste management service provider for homeowners and their communities. Scooping over six million doggie deposits nationwide every year, DoodyCalls is making the world a better place to live, one scoop at a time.
To learn more, visit www.doodycalls.com or call 1-800-366-3922.
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