Halloween is so much fun for us..but honestly, it's probably pretty horrifying for our pets who don't understand a thing about our scary celebrations. I spoke with Dr. Nancy at Companions Animal Hospital and Vicki Davis from the Tri-County Humane Society, and they gave me some great tips I've kept in mind over the years. I hope these are helpful to you as well.
If you are going to have pumpkins with candles inside, or other lit decorations that cats could knock off a countertop, be watchful. We want you and your pets to have a safe and happy Halloween.
BE CAREFUL WITH COSTUMES
Don't put your dog or cat in a costume if they really hate it. Make sure it's not pinching them, and that they can see, walk and move comfortably. Your pet may look super cute in it, but if they are dancing around and trying to get out of it, don't torcher them.
Photo by Meyer Zinn on Unsplash
You know pets. If there is something they aren't supposed to get into, they'll find a way to get into it. Those treats for example. Unfortunately, many Halloween treats are toxic for your pets. Chocolate can be very dangerous for your cats and dogs, and sugar-free candies and fake sugar sweeteners are also very dangerous.
Does your dog bark, jump, and run every time the doorbell rings? Just think about the number of times it might happen on Halloween. If your pet gets stressed or is super protective, it might be a good night to give them a great chew toy, their favorite blanket, and a room with the tv or radio on, and the door shut.
Photo by Justin Jason on Unsplash
Glow sticks are important when your kids are trick or treating in the dark. Just make sure that if kids come to your home drop them in your yard, and that you pick them up before your pets find them. If your kids are using glow sticks, make sure to collect them once they get home.
To prepare yourself for a potential incident, always keep your vet's phone number handy, along with an after-hours clinic you can call in an emergency. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center also has a hotline you can call at (888) 426-4435 for advice.
Even with all of these resources, however, the best cure for food poisoning is preventing it in the first place. To give you an idea of what human foods can be dangerous, Stacker has put together a slideshow of 30 common foods to avoid. Take a look to see if there are any that surprise you.
KEEP READING: Here are 6 foods from your cookout that could harm your dog
Why do they meow? Why do they nap so much? Why do they have whiskers? Cats, and their undeniably adorable babies known as kittens, are mysterious creatures. Their larger relatives, after all, are some of the most mystical and lethal animals on the planet. Many questions related to domestic felines, however, have perfectly logical answers. Heres a look at some of the most common questions related to kittens and cats, and the answers cat lovers are looking for.
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Five Simple Tips To Keep Your Pets Safe This Halloween - Minnesota's New Country