Halloween Safety Tips for Dog Owners
Halloween is a Spooktacular time of year when everyone gets excited about dressing up in costumes and enjoying sweet treats. However, it’s essential to remember that our furry friends may not feel the same way about the holiday. The unfamiliar sights and sounds and the tempting presence of candy can pose potential risks to our pets. As responsible pet owners, we must consider Halloween safety tips to ensure that our four-legged family members can join in the fun without encountering any scary situations.
Halloween candy can be a delicious treat for people but can present serious health risks to pets. Chocolate is especially hazardous and can be fatal to dogs and cats. Additionally, candies containing xylitol, a sugar substitute, can harm pets. It’s essential to take extra precautions and keep these treats out of reach of pets to ensure their safety.
Here is what you need to do:
Secure Candy:
It is crucial to keep all types of candies, including gum, mints, chocolate, lollipops, and any other candies with a plastic wrapper, out of your pet’s reach. Ingesting these items can be harmful to their health. Store all Halloween candy in a high, closed cabinet or container.
Which types of candies should I keep away from my pet?
Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to cats and dogs. When ingested in large quantities, theobromine can lead to various health issues and may even be fatal for pets. Theobromine is not quickly metabolized by animals’ digestive systems, leading to its accumulation in the body. The severity of the health issues depends on the type of chocolate ingested and the quantity consumed. Therefore, keeping all chocolate- and cocoa-containing products out of pet reach is crucial to ensure their safety.
Common symptoms of chocolate intoxication are:
– Vomiting
– Diarrhea
– Fever
– Tachycardia (increased heart rate)
If you think your pet ate candy, wrappers, or any potentially harmful objects, contact your veterinarian immediately, the Pet Poison Helpline available throughout the U.S., or the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control, a 24-hour service available 365 days.
Ensure Decorations Are Safely Placed:
Even though Halloween decorations contribute to a spooky atmosphere, they can also pose risks to curious pets. Hanging decorations such as fake spider webs or dangly ornaments seem like tempting toys to cats. To prevent dogs from potentially chewing on decorative items like plastic pumpkins or fake bones, it’s essential to place decorations out of their reach or in areas they can’t access. This will help minimize the risk of choking or ingestion.
This could include placing decorations on high shelves, using pet gates to block off certain areas, or opting for pet-safe decorations that won’t harm your furry friends if they decide to investigate.
Keep Anxious Pets Calm During Activity:
One of the most common concerns for cats and dogs is the stress caused by Halloween. The constant ringing of the doorbell as groups of trick-or-treaters eagerly arrive at your doorstep can be an unsettling and distressing experience for your pets.
Frequent door opening and closing can allow a frightened animal to escape into the night, leading to dangerous consequences.
Keep your pet calm during trick-or-treating Hours:
It’s a good idea to keep your pet in a private, quiet space away from the front door, especially during Halloween when there might be a lot of commotion and unfamiliar visitors. Consider playing calming music and stocking the room with their favorite toys, comfortable beds, or pet crates.
Here are some other ideas to consider to help calm a frightened pet:
Calming Apparel: ThunderShirt® applies gentle, constant pressure to calm pet anxiety for dogs and cats.
Calming Diffusers: Calming diffusers, such as Adaptil™ for dogs and Feliway® for cats, release special pheromones to help pets feel safe and secure.
Calming Supplements: Calming supplement chews, such as Natural Dog Company promote relaxation with natural ingredients like Melatonin, Valerian Root, Ginger Root, and other naturally calming elements. Be sure to talk to your vet before giving your pet any new supplements.
These are just a few Halloween pet safety tips to help you care for your pet on October 31st. You know your pet best, so if your dog or cat shows signs of anxiety, take the time to make them feel more secure. For instance, If your dog gets anxious when the doorbell rings, give them a quiet space away from unfamiliar people and noises.
Have fun and be safe on this Spooktacular and exciting night!
Stay Tuned for Sadie ‘s Favorite Fall Treats.
Liz Valenzuela is the founder of Sniffari Dog and a dog mom to Sadie, a sassy and loving Australian Shepherd Spaniel mix. Liz and Sadie live in the scenic town of Durango, CO.
Affiliate Disclaimer: Sniffari Dog™ is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.