With Halloween a week away many families are preparing for this fun and exciting day. Finishing touches are being made on costumes, treats are bought, and pumpkins are being carved. Safety is what can make or break any holiday. For our pets Halloween can be disastrous if we do not prepare ahead of time.
Most pets like staying home where they are more comfortable. With the opening of the door for eager treaters, your pets are put at risk. It is so easy for a cat to slip out the door. If you haveanxious dogs that want to greet everyone at the door, it could be disastrous. Dogs always seem to think doorbell ringing is a signal to bark. Fireworks seem to be a big part of the Halloween celebration. Dogs are very sensitive to sound. Find a nice cozy room with maybe a TV or music going so that every time the door bell rings they are not stressed. Comfort your pet with normal voice tones as sympathetic voice only reinforces your pet's fearful behaviour. Have plenty of toys on hand so the pet does not think that it is being punished.
It is very important that if you decide to take your pet out with you that it is always leashed! Sometimes folks are tempted to let their pet walk with them off leash us but, on this night, especially with all the scary costumes and noises, it could be very tragic. Proper identification is a must. A license is a given, but also and an ID tag with two telephone numbers is also very important. Micro chipping or tattooing is even better.
Some folks like to dress up the pet along with the child. Some dogs do not mind it. If your pet does not, do not push the issue. Not only can that lead to behavioural problems but inhibits his ability to communicate.
Diabetes or obesity are in the forefront in animal health issues. Beware of fallen candy or pets choking on candy wrappers. Both dogs and cats are prone to this. Dogs because they are hungry and cats out of curiosity. If this does happen, try to open the jaw and remove the object. With a cat, wrap up the body in a blanket or towel to prevent scratching, but remember they can still bite and cat bites can be very serious! Beware of lollipop and candy apple sticks. They can get stuck in a throat or perforate an organ like the stomach or bowels. Chocolate contains toxins that can kill a pet dog or cat or even a bird. If you suspect chocolate poisoning call your vet right away.
If you decorate your house with Halloween lights, make sure wires are secured. Most pets naturally inquisitive. A lit Jack-o-lantern unattended can cause a fire with a whoosh of a tail.
For those of you who do have outdoor pets, please bring them a day or so before the celebrations start fireworks and other noises could frighten them. Keep them in for a day or two after the celebrations. If you have teathered dogs, shame on you, dogs are companions and you would not tie up your human friend to a chain so do not do it to your four legged friend.
Have a safe and happy Halloween, but please protect your pet. Let them sit this holiday out.
