Oct
With Halloween just around the corner, we all get excited to dress up as zombies and ghosts to bring home a bagful of goodies. But let’s face it. Though it is festive and fun for us humans, it could be a nightmare for our beloved pets. Then again, you can help your furry pals steer clear of the potential dangers that the spook nights may bring. Check out these 10 vital pet safety tips:
1. Chocolates and candies are for humans, not for pets.
Any forms of chocolate, especially dark chocolates, are toxic for pets. Once ingested, they could experience diarrhea, increased heart rate, seizures, rapid breathing, and vomiting.
Candies, on the other hand, contain Xylitol, an artificial sweetener, that could be lethal to dogs. So if they consume even a small amount of it, their blood sugar will suddenly drop resulting in seizures and loss of body coordination.
2. Bring your pets inside the house on Halloween.
Talk about Halloween, there’ll be plenty of pranksters who’ll go around teasing, scaring, stealing, and injuring pets. Even if you think you have the safest yard, taking preventive measures should save you from any loss.
3. Keep your pets away from the door.
Since there’ll be kids who’ll come knocking at your door, wearing peculiar costumes and asking for treats on Halloween night, you might want to confine your pets in another room. The sight of them might freak out your furry companions.
Moreover, dogs are territorial creatures. Considering that, there are chances that they’ll growl at those innocent treat-or-treaters anxiously. Perhaps a dog kennel can help, even for several hours.
4. Allow your pets to stay in the house a few days before and after Halloween.
To reduce cruelty-related incidents before and after Halloween, it is best that you allow your pets to stay with you in your home a few days before and after the spook festival. This is highly recommended even for households who have black cats as these creatures are at risk from pranks.
Teaching your pets a few tricks and some obedience lessons might keep them at bay against potential threats. Hopefully, the eBook below could teach you the basics.
5. Make sure Halloween ornaments and plants are away of your pet’s reach.
Corn and pumpkins are widespread during Halloween. Though they are not that toxic, these plants can trigger gastrointestinal upset once ingested in large quantities. Worst is that if large pieces are swallowed, intestinal blockage may occur.
Be wary of which decorations are unsafe for your pets. Here are some ornaments you must keep an eye for:
Glow sticks
Fake blood
Rubber eyeballs
Fake cobwebs
6. Avoid lighting pumpkins around pets.
Okay, this one is quite self-explanatory, but many are taking this for granted. There are pets that are naturally curious. They get attracted to the sight of burning candles and light. Hence, when they see some lit pumpkins, they might run over it, burning their pelt and causing a fire. You don’t want that to happen, right?
7. Make sure electric cords are out of reach.
To be in the groove during the spook season, we often purchase electrical ornaments that are in line with the festival’s spooky theme. Although it isn’t a bad idea, you must always take into consideration the safety of your pets.
As much as possible, keep the electrical wires and cords out of their reach. If chewed, they could possibly get electrocuted.
8. Choose a Halloween costume that your pets will love.
Just in case you decide to bring your pet with you as you ask for treats from house-to-house, make sure you get him wearing the most comfortable costume. It must not limit his movement and ability to breathe. It should allow him to move freely. Looking cute and adorable in a costume is just a bonus. After all, with costumes or not, pets are to die for.
9. Fit the costume before Halloween night.
Prior to the big night, let your pet try on his costume. If he panics or becomes distressed, try wearing it to him slowly. Else, find another alternative, such as festive bandanas or hats. Other pet accessories make excellent additions to the costume, too. If he is fine with his costume, just remove those parts or objects that could cause him to choke.
10. Do not forget your pet’s identification.
Should your pet get lost or escape, having a proper identification will increase the possibilities of him being returned. Therefore, make sure all the information on his collar or microchip is updated.
While we’re having fun, we must also observe pet safety. Halloween is not just for us; it’s also for our pets to enjoy. So tuck them away from any potential hazards by following the simple tips listed above.
Image Sources: [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]
