Halloween Pet Safety

Halloween is coming up quick! The autumn holiday seems to get a little bigger and a little more popular every year. Halloween definitely offers a lot of seasonal fun, but it can also be dangerous for pets. Our animal companions definitely have a knack for getting into mischief! In this article, a local Middletown, DE vet offers some advice on keeping your furred (or feathered) buddy safe over the next few weeks.

Be Careful With Candies

Keep that candy bowl out of paws’ reach! Many Halloween candies contain chocolate, which is toxic to our animal companions. For instance, it can be fatal to dogs at just one ounce per pound of the pup’s body weight. Candies also may contain things like nuts, raisins, and xylitol, which are also unsafe. Plus, smaller candies and candy wrappers can be choking hazards.

Reduce Stress

Halloween can be scary and stressful for pets. Fido is already a bit protective when people come to the door, so a steady line of costumed visitors can be a bit much for him. You may want to put your pooch in a back room or even in his crate. Keep smaller animals in quiet back rooms until things quiet down.

Decorate Carefully

Keep your animal companion in mind as you decorate. Anything small or sharp is a potential choking hazard. Things with ropes or strings, such as garlands and fake spiderwebs, are also unsafe. You’ll also need to take care with candles, firepits and fireplaces, and anything with plastic bags or ties.

Be Cautious With Costumes

We know, it’s cute seeing pictures of pets in costumes. However, many pets get stressed out by wearing clothes. It’s best not to dress cats and/or nervous dogs up at all. As for Fido, stick with costumes that were made specifically for dogs. Make sure your canine buddy’s outfit fits well, doesn’t restrict his vision or movement, and isn’t hot or itchy.

Leaf Jumping

Does Fido love jumping into leaf piles? This is adorable, but there are a few concerns here. That pile could contain sharp sticks and branches. Leaves also grow mold quite quickly when wet. Plus, snakes and other critters sometimes burrow under them. Limit Fido’s play sessions to freshly-raked piles.

As your local Middletown, DE animal clinic, we’re here to help. Please reach out to us for all of your furry pal’s veterinary care needs.