Halloween can be a stressful time for your pets. Strangers dressed up in costumes knocking on the door, yelling Trick or treat can really cause your pets to get stressed out. Here are some things you can do to keep your pets safe this Halloween.
· Pet Halloween Costumes – Yes they are adorable to look at, but they can be extremely hazardous. Be sure to watch out for any outfits that have rubber bands on them, because they can cause gastrointestinal blockage if digested. Also be careful of costumes with bandanas, or anything that ties around your pet’s neck in case of choking. Try to avoid ribbons and bows as they also can cause chocking, and can be very dangerous if swallowed. There are many pet Halloween costumes to choose from, so keep your pets safe by examining the outfit you choose. Do not buy an outfit with zippers, because you can catch skin and fur, and badly injure your pet. Just because it looks cute on the shelf, does not mean it will be safe for your pet. Examine it and be sure it’s 100% safe before purchasing your pets Halloween costume. If you have sewing talent, the best way to avoid dangerous materials is to make your own pet Halloween costume. This way you will know exactly what to put on it to keep it as safe as possible.
· Keep your pets inside on Mischief night and Halloween – The day before Halloween is known as Mischief night. This is the night where kids play tricks, make trouble, and roam the streets. This goes along with the history of Halloween and how some people use animal sacrifices on this night. It is always best to keep your pets indoors on these nights just in case someone wants to cause trouble. Halloween night is also an important night to keep your pets indoors. You have ghost, and goblins roaming the streets looking for candy, and a child may give your pet some, just trying to be nice. In reality, this could be fatal to your pet, not to mention all the screaming kids will scare them. Keep your animals in a safe room where they will feel comfortable.
· Halloween Candy – Dogs are not designed to eat the same foods that we do. During Halloween it’s absolutely critical that you keep your pets away from candy and especially chocolate. Dogs love the taste of sweet things, and they will go out of their way to find and eat large quantities of candy without regard as to the effects. The hazardous material in chocolate is called “Theobromine”. This chemical causes vomiting, diarrhea, fast breathing, seizures, and can even cause death. Even in small quantities chocolate can be lethal. This is why it is important for you to keep your Halloween candy up high, and when trick or treaters come, put your dog in another room. This way if a child drops some candy on the floor, the dog will not be the first to find it. Putting them in another room can also help them to not get to hyper when kids ring your door bell.
If you are cautious of potential dangers, then Halloween can be fun for you and your pets. Look at your pets Halloween costumes to be sure there is no danger, keep your pets inside on Mischief and Halloween night, and please beware of candy that your pets can get into. If you avoid these things, then you are sure to have a stress free pet for Halloween.
