10/25/2023
As Halloween approaches, it’s easy to get caught up in the decorations, the costumes, and the stocking up of candy. But let’s not forget our furry friends as they scamper at our feet while we’re carving pumpkins and hanging skeletons from the staircase.
1. Keep candy out of reach as they can be VERY dangerous for your furry friends. Treats such as raisins, chocolate, candy corn, and xylitol (check all labels to ensure the peanut butter is xylitol-free).
Signs of toxicity: vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, seizures, shaking, hyperactivity, extreme thirst, panting.
2. Make sure those cute costumes fit comfortably and don't restrict your pet's ability to move, smell, breathe, or make vocal sounds. They should be able to jump as usual. Avoid anything with straps or small accessories that can't pose as a choking hazard or get them trapped. Also, stay clear of pet costumes or headpieces that contain glowing liquid. If your pet chews its glow-in-the-dark headpiece, the bright fluid can leak, leading to mouth irritation, vomiting, and salivation.
3. Protect from Halloween decorations: candles, electric cords, fog machines, glow sticks, jewelry, small decorative items, and rotting pumpkins.
4. Keep anxious pets calm.
Signs of anxiety: pacing and shaking, hiding, running away, panting or elevated heart rate; gastrointestinal issues, unusual behaviors, sudden shedding, hypervigilance.
5. Keep pets identifiable. Losing your pet on such a busy night of the year can be scary. Take all necessary measures to ensure your pet will easily be found if they escape. Proper identification, microchipping, and GPS dog collars all provide steps to help you bring your pet home safely. Ensure that your ID tag details are up to date so that your pet can return home safely if they do end up losing their way home.
As exciting as this spooky holiday is, protecting your pet is worth the effort. Your pet may happily partake in festivities if they’ve been properly socialized from a young age, but older or more anxious pets need our protection.
CVCA Portland and Athena (pictured below) are wishing you a safe and spooky holiday! 🎃