Halloween is just around the corner. And while the spooky season is a ton of fun, Oct. 31 with its candy, decorations and nighttime visitors can pose a few hazards for dogs and cats.
To keep your furry little friends safe at Halloween, here are a few safety tips from the folks at Rover.com.
The first thing to keep in mind, Rover said, is to remember Halloween candy is for people, not pets.
“No Halloween candy is safe for pets,” the article states. “Most people know that chocolate and sugar-free candies containing xylitol are toxic. But there are less obvious items like raisins, grapes and apple seeds that can also be harmful. Even the wrappers themselves can cause gastrointestinal upset.”
Similar caution should be taken with glowsticks, the article advised. While technically non-toxic, the glowing liquid has a bitter taste and can lead to drooling, vomiting and agitation.
“If your cat or dog accidentally chews and breaks one open, rinse their mouth with water immediately,” the article said.
When it comes to Halloween decorations, it’s recommended to avoid things with small parts that could be swallowed. It’s also best to put fake webbing in places pets can’t get tangled in, as well as choosing battery-operated lights over open flames.
Rover also recommends that if the door-knocking and visitors on Halloween night are bothersome to a pet, keeping the animal busy with toys, chews and things to distract them can be a good idea.
If you take your dog trick-or-treating, watch out for discarded candy or wrappers that could sicken or choke them. As well, keep an eye out for decorations or approaching children that might frighten the animal.
Use reflective or light-up collars, leashes or harnesses on Halloween night so your pet is visible to drivers.
When it comes to costumes, only put on on if your pet can tolerate a costume (not all pets can) and make sure it fits well and doesn’t have small pieces that can be chewed off. If the animal looks upset or uncomfortable, remove the costume.
“With the door constantly opening to a stream of trick-or-treaters, some pets may seize their chance to escape,” Rover said.
Consider limiting door traffic by greeting guests from your porch or driveway, Rover advises. If your pet likes saying hello to visitors, keep them leashed for the evening so they can’t bolt out the door.
“You can also install a pet gate at the front door or use it as a barrier to keep your pets in a secure area. For agile cats, consider investing in an especially high, sturdy gate.”
Keeping a pet in an interior bedroom or crate (packed with toys and blankets for comfort and play) for the evening can also be a good way of avoiding anxiety and keeping pets safe.
Happy trick-or-treating!
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