Halloween Safety Tips for Your Pets

Halloween Safety Tips for Your Pets

We are not the only ones who can enjoy Halloween, our furry pets can (and do) enjoy this spooky night as well. The ASPCA came up with a few helpful tips to keep our pets safe, happy, and healthy until November hits.

Stash the Treats

There are several popular Halloween treats are toxic to pets. Chocolate in all forms—especially dark or baking chocolate—can be very dangerous for cats and dogs, and sugar-free candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can cause serious problems in pets. If you think your pet has gotten into anything toxic, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately.

Watch the Decorations and Keep Wires Out of Reach

Pets, big or small, can easily knock over a lit pumpkin and start a fire. Curious kittens are especially at risk of getting burned or singed by a candle flame. Popular Halloween plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn are considered relatively nontoxic but can produce stomach discomfort in pets who nibble on them.

Be Careful with Costumes

Because pets may become stress wearing a costume, the ASPCA recommends that you don’t put your dog or cat in a costume unless you know he or she loves it. Be sure the costume does not restrict their movement, sight or ability to breathe, bark or meow. Check the costume carefully for small, dangling or easily chewed-off pieces that could present a choking hazard. If he or she seems distressed or shows abnormal behavior, consider letting your pet wear his or her “birthday suit” or don a festive bandana instead.

Keep Pets Calm and Easily Identifiable

Halloween brings a lot of activity with visitors arriving at the door. So keep in mind that too many strangers can stress out your pet. If your pet is not quite social, you might want to keep them in a separate room away from the front door during peak trick-or-treating hours. While opening the door for guests, be sure that your dog or cat doesn’t dart outside. And always make sure your pet is wearing proper identification—if for any reason he or she does escape, a collar with ID tags and/or a microchip can be a lifesaver for a lost pet.

Diamonds in the Ruff

We love this holiday and especially love seeing your pets dressed up. Just keep these tips in mind and your Halloween night with be spooky and fun. If must leave your pet behind, but don’t want to leave them alone, we suggest leaving them at a trusted boarding facility. Diamonds in the Ruff offers a great, clean, and trusted boarding facility for your cat or dog. Come by and see us or visit our website at www.diamondsintheruffpetboarding.com. We have everything your pet needs to feel safe and happy at our dog boarding facility or cattery in Abilene.