10/30/2024
🎃Furry Frights and Things That go Bump in the Night🎃
Protect Your Pets from Unwanted Scares this Halloween
Halloween can be an enjoyable time for neighborhoods, but it's important to remember that pets don't necessarily understand that those kids dressed as ghouls or goblins aren't really space invaders! Some pets may have the knee-jerk response of fight or flight in scary situations (such as green martians asking for candy on your doorstep). So, in preparation for Halloween, here are a few safety tips for pet parents:
🎃Lots of strangers, especially strangers dressed in costumes, can be scary and stressful for your pet. Keep your pet in a separate room during prime trick-or-treat hours.
🎃Dogs and cats may want sweets, but keep them safe and stick to pet treats. Chocolate can be dangerous for pets to consume; and, although that shiny or crinkly candy wrapper sounds and looks exciting, it is hazardous if swallowed. If you think that your pet has eaten a dangerous substance, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (they charge a consult fee) immediately.
🎃Halloween decorations can spell danger for pets. Make sure that electrical cords or other items that might break or deliver a shock when chewed are out of reach.
🎃Keep candles away from pets. Candles can be easily knocked over by a pet, and a curious cat can be burned or singed by a candle flame.
🎃Unless you know that your pet loves it, wearing a costume can cause stress and discomfort for your pet. If you do dress your pet, make sure that the costume allows them to move normally; does not hinder their hearing sight, or breathing; and, includes no pieces that they could chew off and choke on.
We hope you have an enchanting Halloween while keeping your pets' safety and comfort in mind. From all of us at the SPCA of Wake County -- HAPPY HALLOWEEN!