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While getting dressed up and trick or treating can be a
blast for people, Halloween can be a frightening and dangerous
holiday for animals. Here are some helpful hints to a happier
Halloween for your family pet.
Animals frequently bear the brunt of Halloween pranks so
while you are bustling around getting costumes and candy
for your own ghostly celebration, make sure to include your
pet's safety in your preparations. Cats seem to be especially
targeted for “tricks” so make sure that you keep your
kitty in during the days surrounding Halloween, particularly
if you have a black cat.
The sweet taste of chocolate and candy can be just as irresistible
to pets as it is to humans, but chocolate can be poisonous
if they get too much. Some dogs like chocolate so much that
they will steal bags of goodies off of counters, tables
and even out of cupboards, so don't think that your booty
is safe when it is still in the bag and on the kitchen counter.
Not to mention the possibility that sticks from lollipops
and plastic candy wrappers can cause severe damage to the
intestines of animals if swallowed. Make sure that trick
or treat goodies are securely put away, both before and
after you go trick or treating.
Jack-o-lanterns and their dancing candle light can add
that special touch to your décor at Halloween but the flickering
light can be very attractive to curious pets. Make certain
that you have your pumpkin placed so that it is safely out
of danger from being knocked over or the risk that your
pet might burn its nose or paws by trying to catch the flame.
Yet another trial for pets at Halloween is the constant
coming and going of trick or treaters. Many pets who are
normally not anxious or upset by company can be distressed
by the constant coming and going of strangers, not to mention
the anxiety caused by the strange costumes. The constant
parade of monsters can excite your animal's normal protective
behavior increasing the risk of biting or cause him to bolt
out of the open door in an attempt to escape perceived danger.
A good solution for this concern is to put your pet in a
separate room behind closed doors while you are handing
out goodies to all the little ghosts and goblins. In case
your pet does escape, it is a good idea to make sure that
all identification tags are current and perhaps even speak
to your veterinarian about identification
microchips. Pets with identification are much more likely
to be returned home.
Last but not least, most pets really do not enjoy being
dressed up in costumes even though we think that they look
cute. If you are bound and determined to dress up your pet,
make sure that the costume doesn't interfere with your pet's
ability to see, breathe, move, bark and eliminate.
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