29/10/2021
HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS 2021
WEAVER: Oh, no, Mom’s taking out those stupid Halloween fascinators again for Facebook. She’s gonna take our pictures!
NANCY: Oh, goody, I love getting my picture taken! Do mine first, Mama, do mine first!
WEAVER: Don’t encourage her! Maybe if we lie quietly here in bed around the corner, she’ll forget. Shhhh…
NANCY: No, Weaver, you know that Mama never forgets to post safety tips for the holidays to keep all of us and our friends safe…
WEAVER: But does she have to put those dumb things on our heads? How humiliating. Oh, no, she’s coming for me first. Gad, I’m SO embarrassed! If any of the guys see me, I’m never gonna be able to show my nose out on the boreen again! Aaarrgh!
NANCY: Now me, Mama, now me!!
As Nancy and Weaver are here to remind you, it's that time of year again, folks, and little ghosts and goblins are soon to be among us. While this holiday may be fun for the two-leggeds, not all four-leggeds share our enthusiasm. Remember these important safety tips to ensure that everyone has a safe and happy Halloween:
Chocolate and/or xylitol (a common sweetener) can actually poison your pet. Keep ALL Halloween candy out of the reach of your inquisitive dogs and well-intentioned children who would like to "share" their goodies. Wrappers, strings, and foil in your pet’s tummy can cause illness, blockage or even perforation. If you want Fido or Fifi to share in the fun, keep a few of their special treats on hand so they will have "goodies", too.
If your dog goes berserk whenever there is a knock on the door or the doorbell rings, keep this in mind ahead of time. Your pet may be frightened by all of the extra activity and try to bolt out of a constantly-opening door. Even the most mild-mannered pets may become overwhelmed with the extra hubbub, causing them to growl, snap, bite or bolt. Keep them relaxed in the quietest room of the house away from the noise, where they can be comfortable, safe and unable to escape out an open door when their people are distracted by little ones in costume.
Keep in mind that holiday decor and electrical wires can cause curious little pups to chew, leading to dangerous or even deadly results. Keep all electrical cords and wires well away from your pets (and your smaller children) at all times.
Sadly, it is vitally important to remember that at Halloween, more than at any other time of year, our beloved pets can be targets of pranks and abuse. It is especially recommended that all black cats be kept indoors, especially on the days leading up to Halloween and on the day, itself. In general, keeping a closer eye on all of your pets on the run-up to the holiday is always a good idea.
To help prevent the heartbreak of a lost pet, be sure to have them properly microchipped, and that their collars have clearly-marked ID with your contact details. Adding reflective materials to their collars and/or harnesses, especially in earlier darkness of winter while trick-or-treating, will help to make them more visible. Remember that car windows can be steamed up as excited little ones enter and leave, and rain on the glass can impair the driver's night vision. Make it easier for those behind the wheel to keep your beloved pet safe.
Finally, while you may think that putting your pet into a costume is comical, not all pets tolerate clothing of any kind. If you still want your pet to sport seasonal gear, make sure it doesn’t interfere with their vision, movement, or toileting. Try it on them a time or two before the big day. If they should struggle or demonstrate any distressed behaviour, they're telling you that they definitely do not feel comfortable. Respect their message. You may consider just a festive bandanna, something to add a bit of colour for the occasion, and you will both be happy.
Have a safe and happy Halloween, and a deeply meaningful Samhain.
