October 16, 2022 | General
Today is Halloween, which means costumes and candy and fun times for the humans in your household. When it comes to the furry family members, it means taking proper precautions to avoid the many pet hazards associated with the holiday, so that everyone on two legs and four has a great day.
Candy in general is a problem for pets because it’s loaded with sugar and fat, which can lead to serious gastrointestinal (GI) issues and pancreatitis. Most pet owners are aware of the dangers of chocolate, but there are other types of sweets that also pose health risks for canine and feline companions, so a good rule of thumb is to keep ALL Halloween candy out of the reach of pets.
Chocolate covered raisins pose an even bigger risk. If you’d like to offer your pet a special treat on Halloween, try these pet-safe, easy-to-prepare pumpkin almond cookies:
Glow sticks and jewelry have become very popular, and pets — especially cats — have been known to chew on them. The substance that creates the glow is phenol, which can leak out and burn your pet’s fur and tongue. Choking on small pieces is another hazard.
If your pet is frightened or annoyed by the puppy princess gown or the Grumpy Cat mask, be a pal and don’t force the issue. Let her enjoy the holiday, too.
Some pets become anxious, fearful and aggressive when their normally quiet, predictable evening is anything but. If your pet tends to find commotion at the front door or visitors stressful, it’s best to secure her in quiet, safe spot before the action starts.
The front door opening and closing for trick-or-treaters, coupled with the over-stimulation of the evening, can create an opportunity for a frightened or adventurous pet to run off. Make sure your pet’s ID tag and/or microchip database information, if applicable, are up-to-date, and take necessary precautions to prevent her from slipping out the door and into the night.
Common sense and a little preparation will ensure your four-legged family member is none the worse for wear tomorrow morning. Happy Halloween!