The first thing to know about Halloween is that it breaks your pets’ routine – and they hate that. Lots of hustle and bustle, constant doorbell ringing, loud noises, and strangers coming and going are all likely out of the norm for your pet. With this abrupt adjustment to your routine, a variety of issues may arise. To keep your four-legged family members content and healthy on Halloween, follow these expert tips.
Socialize Your Pet Throughout the Year
Some pet owners want to take their dogs with them when they make the rounds during Halloween. If that’s the case, make sure you socialize your dog throughout the year leading up to the big night, not just a week or two before, said Bank. That will ensure they are comfortable during interactions. Even when your pet is comfortable socializing, keep them leashed when they accompany you and your trick-or-treater.
An adult should always hold the animal on a leash and stand on the sidewalk, well away from the Halloween hosts’ doors, said Bailey Deacon, director of communications, Baltimore Animal Rescue & Care Shelter (BARCS).
Choose Comfy Costumes
Should you dress up your dog, cat or other pet in a Halloween costume? Similar to how you go out of your way to choose the best, most comfortable costume for your child, you should choose a comfortable costume for your pet. This means if your pet won’t be happy or at ease in a costume, no costume is the way to go. The costume should, of course, be pet safe with no buttons, zippers or toxic substances. Beyond that, the pet must be comfortable and able to see and move freely. If your pet isn’t free to move and see clearly, problems may arise. Problems which might lead to bites or worse.
Beware of Candy and Wrappers
Most pet owners know that candy and sugary snacks can make their pets ill — or worse. But beware of candy wrappers, too. Candy wrappers can be just as dangerous, if not worse, than candy for your pets. Remind children not to share their candy with pets, and keep a close eye on kid-pet interactions. Children might not realize the seriousness of such actions.
Control Pumpkin and Corn Decorations
Pumpkin is not toxic to dogs or cats. In fact, it’s sometimes included in their diets (in a canned form) as a source of fiber. If your pet does eat raw pumpkin, you might see some irregularity in their digestion.
Other decorations can cause far more problems, such as corn. Indian corn is not digestible and may cause indigestion. If your pet swallows the cob, it can block intestines and require an emergency vet visit for serious issues. The best and safest bet is to keep your pets away from Indian corn and pumpkin.
Keep Candles, String and Wrapping Paper Out of Reach
Flickering candles can entice your pet to explore, causing burns or worse. Clearly, you shouldn’t let pets near any open flames. Also, keep string and wrapping paper away from pets. It cannot only upset their stomachs, but the items can also wind around critical organs, necessitating emergency surgery.
Make Sure Your Pet Has ID
Identification tags and microchips are the best gifts you can give a pet, said Bank. And, of course, make sure you keep the information current. Holidays always prove to be a time when pets get lost, and pets with proper ID have a much higher chance of being reunited. With all the doorbell ringing, a scared pet may slip out so make sure your pets are properly ID’ed.
If you have any questions, our team is here to help! Don’t hesitate to contact us today. We wish you all a safe and happy Halloween!
