Happy Halloween!
This is no doubt one of the most fun holidays of the year! We all like to dress up and have some fun eating candy. Even our furry family members take part in the festivities! So, to make sure everyone has a fun and safe Halloween including our pets, here are a few tips:
Choose A Costume Wisely
There are TONS of super cute costumes for our pups out there. But not all of them are exactly safe or comfortable for them. IF your pet enjoys wearing a costume, make sure the costume isn’t constricting. Or annoying your dog. If the costume uses rubber bands to keep the costume in place, there is a chance that your fido will chew them off and swallow them, potentially creating a choking hazard or intestinal injury. The rubber bands can also get caught in Fido’s fur which can cause pain and discomfort. And make sure he can see! Costumes can be very stressful for cats or dogs. So if they do not want to wear a costume, do not force them!
Keep Pets Away From the Front Door
Do you know you have a door-dasher? Then it is probably a good idea to keep your dog away from the door that will be constantly opening. This will also help keep any trick-or-treaters comfortable as well! Any dog rushing at your barking (big or small) can be scary especially for younger children. Aside from all of the knocking and doorbell ringing, strangers at the door can increase your dog's stress. Keeping them in a separate room can help decrease stress. We like to recommend our pawTree Chillax Calming Chews. These natural calming aid supplements are for dogs and cats that helps alleviate over-the-top, uncontrollable anxiety due to stressful events.
Keep Your Pets Inside
Your home is the safest place for your pets from those pesky pranksters. There are plenty of stories of pranksters who have teased, injured, stolen, or even killed pets that were left in yards, or allowed to roam outside on Halloween.
Be Careful With Candles and Lit Jack-o-lanterns
Animals are attracted to bright lights in dark rooms. Candles can be accidentally knocked over, spilling hot wax on them, your furniture and carpet, or potentially cause a fire.
Do Not Leave Your Pet in the Car While the Kids Go Trick-or-Treating
Your dog might find being in a dark cramped car while spooky monsters of every shape and size pass by very scary and stressful. This can cause your normally friendly dog to lash out and act defensively at friendly ghosts and ghouls. It’s always better to leave them at home. But if you do decide to take them with you, ALWAYS keep them under control and on a Leather or Nylon Leash. (Retractable Leashes are the DEVIL) That way everyone can have a safe and happy Halloween!
Do Not Give Your Dog Candy
An everyday rule for dog and cat safety should be to not feed them people food- especially on Halloween. There are a lot of ingredients that are found in people's food and candies that are harmful to our furry family members.
Chocolate contains Theobromine that is toxic to pets
Sticks on Carmel Apples and packaging can be swallowed and cause choking or internal damage.
Candy can upset your dog's stomach which can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
To learn more about other Holiday Safety tips, join our email list and look out for our workshops and seminars.
We all hope you have a very safe and spooky Halloween!
Buddy Sweets Team.