Tips For A Safe Halloween
Dear Dog and Cat Loving Friends,
How did it get to be Halloween already? I sat down to write this a few weeks ago and all of a sudden I realized that tomorrow is October 31st. My life has been busier (if that’s possible!) since the publication of my book, Pets and the City in June and as result, these newsletters have been on a hiatus. My plan is to get them to you more regularly and I am starting with Halloween since it can be a scary and potentially dangerous day for our pets. There are just a few things you need to be mindful about to keep the holiday fun and safe.
Trick or Treating
It might seem like a good idea to take your dog along when your family goes trick or treating but I urge you to make sure that your dog thinks so too. If you are planning for your pet to wear a costume, particularly a dog (I don’t encourage body costumes on cats) put it on them and observe the dog before you go. Make sure that the costume fits comfortably, and importantly that it doesn’t impede movement of any of the legs or neck. Make sure that it doesn’t cover the necessary parts for your dog to urinate or defecate.
Confirm that your leash still connects safely to your dog’s collar or harness despite the costume. Do not attach the leash to the costume. Note that if your dog is trying to remove the costume, appears stressed (observe for a wide-eyed look, rapid breathing or panting), then, instead, use the costume only for a photo op and remove it quickly since it clearly doesn’t agree with your pet.
Some dogs may be stressed or frightened by people in costumes and the home decorations that surround us, especially life size figures that move and make noise. If your dog doesn’t seem to be enjoying the trick or treating, then just head home and stay with your pet until it has calmed down and returned to normal behavior.
If your dog is staying home on Halloween night and might be stressed by the sound of repeated doorbells or even the visits from the trick or treaters, then leave the treats outside for visitors to help themselves and a note not to ring or knock. Keep the television on in the room with your dog and over about 10 minutes gradually increase its volume so that the sound is loud enough to drown out some of the outside sounds, a technique that works for thunderstorms as well.
Treats
Many of the foods that come with Halloween are actually toxic to pets and must not be fed to them or left anywhere they might get at them. Beware:
1. Chocolate contains theobromine which can cause central nervous system problems such as seizures. If large quantities are consumed chocolate can actually be fatal to dogs.
2. Raisins (especially chocolate covered ones) are toxic, and they can cause irreversible kidney damage.
3. Candy corn and other high sucrose and glucose foods can cause severe gastrointestinal upset (for kids too!). Consuming large quantities at one time can cause an intestinal blockage.
4. Artificial sugar such as xylitol is extremely dangerous to dogs. Ingestion of such “fake” sugar causes the body’s blood glucose to fall to dangerously-low levels which will require emergency veterinary care.
5. Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs.
6. Ingestion of candy wrappers can cause intestinal blockage.
When it comes to Halloween food, use common sense, particularly knowing that a dog can get to things even a small child may not be able to.
Decorations
Keep pets away from electrical cords from holiday decorations. They can get an electric shock from chewing on a cord that is plugged in, and they are potential choke hazards. And don’t put out any small decorations that can be swallow hazards. Use faux candles instead of real flames that can singe fur or burn a pet’s skin.
These are a few reminders in advance of Halloween to make sure that your family, including your pets have an enjoyable day. And while you and the rest of the human family are indulging in the treats, offer a carrot or apple bite as a special treat for your dog. Better yet, you eat the carrot and apple too!
And if you have a fun night out with your pet, please send us photos at info@citypetsvets.com.
Have a great and safe holiday, including with your pets.
Chow, Chow, Chow for now,
Dr. Amy
