Keeping Your Dogs and Cats Safe on Halloween

Keeping Your Dogs and Cats Safe on Halloween

 Halloween can be a fun and exciting time for humans, but for our pets, it can be stressful or even dangerous. Here are some ways to keep your dogs and cats safe and calm during the spooky season, as well as a list of treats they should need to avoid.

Keeping Pets Safe and Calm

- Secure them indoors - Always keep your pets indoors during Halloween. There's an increased risk of pets getting scared and running away due to the increased foot traffic and noise outside. Plus, there are unfortunate cases of pets being teased, hurt, or even stolen.

 - Identification - Ensure your pet has proper identification. If they do manage to escape, having a collar with an ID tag and a microchip can greatly increase the chances of being reunited. It is a great idea to have a recent picture of your pet as well in case they get lost.

 - Create a safe space - Set up a quiet, comfortable space away from the front door. This can help reduce stress from the constant ringing of the doorbell and visitors in costumes. Provide them with their favorite toys, a comfy bed, and some water. If your pet is crate trained, this is the perfect time to keep them in their crate.

 - Consider calming aids - There are a variety of calming aids available for pets, ranging from oral supplements, pheromone sprays and diffusers to calming collars and even anxiety wraps. We highly recommend a calming supplement with CBD. Consult your veterinarian to find out what might be best for your pet.

 - Limit costume wear - While it might be tempting to dress up your furry friend, make sure the costume doesn’t restrict movement, hearing, or breathing. Always supervise your pet while they're wearing a costume and remove it if they seem distressed. Some pets tolerate costumes better than others, make sure you are not adding undo stress to your pet by dressing them up.

 - One other consideration is human costumes - While dogs rely on their sense of smell, they do utilize their other senses as well. Scary masks or makeup can confuse your dog. Capes, wings and horns, etc. may also confuse your pet. Keep in mind that costumes may put added stress on your dog. 

Halloween Treats Pets Should NOT Eat

Halloween brings a variety of treats into the home, but not all are safe for pets. Here's what to keep away from your furry friends:

 - Chocolate - This is one of the most well-known toxic foods for dogs. It contains theobromine, which can be harmful and even lethal in large amounts. Cats are generally averse to eating chocolate, but it’s still best to keep it out of their reach.

 -  Xylitol - This artificial sweetener, found in many sugar-free candies and gum, can cause rapid insulin release in dogs, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). It can be deadly if ingested. KEP YOUR PET AWAY FROM THIS

 - Raisins and Grapes - Even small amounts of these can cause kidney failure in some dogs.

 - Nuts, especially Macadamia Nuts- These can cause vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia in dogs.

 - Hard Candy and Wrappers - These can pose choking hazards or lead to intestinal blockages if ingested.

 - Alcohol - Some Halloween festivities may include alcoholic beverages. Ensure these are kept out of reach, as even small amounts can be toxic to pets.

 - Glow sticks - are usually non-toxic but they have a terrible taste and may cause excessive salivation. If your pet gets into a glow stick, be sure to give them plenty of fresh water.

In Conclusion 

Halloween can be a fun time for the whole family, pets included, if precautions are taken. By providing a safe space for your pets, avoiding potentially harmful costumes, and being mindful of toxic treats, you can ensure a safe and happy Halloween for everyone.