Halloween is Ruff, Don't Stress Meowt!

Halloween and Your Pet

We, people, love Halloween.  Who doesn't love the chance to give someone else's  child a boatload of candy and send them on their way?  Or get all dressed up in a fancy costume and scare that co-worker who's been annoying you all year?  There's a million different reasons why Halloween is such a popular holiday.  But, there's also a bunch of reasons why your pet may not be as fond of Halloween as you are.  

Ideas to Keep Your Pet Safe on Halloween

As with most holidays, Halloween comes with its own set of problems for your pet.  Below are some tips to help keep your pet safe on Halloween.

• Guard the candy!  Chocolate is extremely dangerous for your pets, and in some cases it could prove fatal.  Xylitol, an artificial sweetener used in some candies, is extremely dangerous and even in small amounts has the potential to kill your pets by causing sudden drops in blood sugar and seizures.   
• Keep your pets confined and away from the door. The doorbell will be ringing constantly for hours which will cause fear and anxiety by itself, but when you combine that with scary looking people dressed in costumes, the fear and anxiety multiplies.  If you can, put them in a secure room away from the front door with a TV or music on to drown out the doorbell or knocking. 
• Watch your candles!  Place all lit candles out of reach of your pet, and your pet's tail, to prevent them from getting knocked over or your pet getting burned.  Flameless candles are a better option for decorating with pets around. 
• Costumes aren't for every pet.  While we think they are cute, pets may be a little put off with the costume you picked for them.  Costumes should not restrict their movement, sight, hearing, or ability to breathe, bark, or meow.  Pets should never be left alone while in costume.  If they seem distressed when you put the costume on, you should reconsider the idea.  
• Where's your ID?  More pets go missing on holidays than non-holidays.  You should always make sure your pet has a collar with ID tag, a microchip, or both.  Make sure the contact information on the tag or the information associated with the microchip is current and accurate.  

For more information on Pet Halloween Safety, please click here to visit the American Veterinary Medical Association's website.

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