Scaredy Cats and Dogs

Halloween can be a very stressful time for our pets, not to mention it can pose many dangers to them as well. All the kids coming to your door in costumes can easily scare your dog or cat. We have all heard stories of malicious people who tease, injure, steal, torture and even kill animals and pets on Halloween. So here are some tips on keeping your pets safe and happy on Halloween.

• As much as your dog or cat may beg for some Halloween candy-do not give it to them. Remember that chocolate is deadly to them-in any amount. And the wrappers can be deadly too. Foil and plastic wrappers can become stuck in their throat or digestive tract and could cause death. If you must give your pet a special treat on Halloween, make them some home made treats, or pick up something new at the grocery store.

• For people who work in pet stores and animal rescue groups, we know what can happen to black cats this time of year. There are sick people out there who will buy or steal them to “sacrifice”. If you can, use caution when adopting out or selling ANY black cats during October. If you own a black cat, or any cat, and let it go outside, remember that this is a bad time of year for cats. Vicious people find Halloween an excuse to hurt or kill them. Keep them inside for a while. They are safer inside on a daily basis anyway.

• Don’t leave any lighted candles or jack o lanterns where they could be knocked over by a swinging tail or curious pet. Not only could your pet unintentionally start a fire, but they could easily burn themselves in the process.

• Wanting to dress Fido or Fifi up as SuperDog or Cat Woman? Keep in mind that unless your dog or cat is extremely receptive to thing kind of thing, and is a real ham, it may cause alot of unnecessary stress and anxiety to your pet. Some animals don’t mind at all, but others do not want to be bothered with it. They’ll be under enough stress with the festivities going on outside and people at the door constantly, so don’t cause them any more reason to be nervous than you have to. You may love to dress up in a costume, but then, you aren’t a dog or cat. Try a costume on them a few days early, and see how they react before doing it the night of Halloween.

• If you put a mask of some type on your animal, make sure that the eye holes are big enough for them to see peripherally. Animals depend on their vision to let them know what is going on and even the nicest dog can get snippy if he can’t see what’s around him. Masks really aren’t a good idea at all.

• If you are having an indoor party, make sure that you put your dog or cat in a room where they won’t be disturbed. Unless your pet is extremely friendly and accustomed to a lot of noise and activity in the home, you should keep them separate for the night.

• Be extra careful that your pet doesn’t dart out the door as you hand out candy. Even the most social dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room during peak trick or treat hours. Too many strangers, and the constant ring of the doorbell can be scary and stressful to our furry family members.

• Having an adult party? Remember, dogs, cats, birds, and all animals in general, DO NOT like, or need to become intoxicated, ever. Some people at parties, especially after a few drinks themselves, may think it is funny to get an animal drunk, but it can kill them. It is better to hurt someone’s feelings by asking them to leave the party than to deal with a very sick or even dead pet.

• If you are having an indoor party, make sure that you put your pet in a room where they won’t be disturbed by guests or noise.

• Halloween and autumn decorations can be harmful to your pet. Plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn are usually non-toxic, but they can produce gastrointestinal upset if pets ingest them. Intestinal blockage can also occur if large pieces are ingested.

Our pets can’t tell us what is bothering them. They are frightened more easily because they have no idea what is going on. Be very sympathetic to your pet and treat them like you would want to be treated if you were them.

Many of these pet safety tips were the courtesy of the ASPCA. If you suspect your pet has ingested a potentially dangerous substance, please call your local veterinarian, emergency animal clinic, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888.426.4435.

And have a happy and pet safe Halloween!