I look forward to seeing all my neighbours’ children and pets at Halloween. In fact, it is one of my favorite holidays.
But alas, it is not MY dogs favorite day..
Ensure that both your children and your dogs enjoy a fun and safe holiday by exercising some caution.
Please remember some of the following tips.
- Your dog can easily become frightened or anxious with the constant ringing of the doorbell and parade of children in masks and other strange clothing. Separate or confine him or her to a section of the house or their crate to create a safe buffer zone. This will calm your pet and prevent any chance of him or her escaping the open front door.
- For those dogs who accompany their family on the Trick or Treat adventure. Make sure to use a sturdy harness or collar and leash. Your normally stoic dog may become uncomfortable or freighted and bolt.
- If your dog doesn’t have a collar with identification tags, NOW is a good time to get them. If you become separated from your pet, or he or she escapes the house, a finder will have a quick way to contact you.
- Dogs dressed up for Halloween are the cutest! But make sure you use safe, non-flammable and non-toxic accessories that your pet is comfortable in and doesn’t restrict vision, movement or breathing.
- CANDY & DOGS DON’T MIX! Have a family meeting and discuss the dangers of candy with your children beforehand and provide them with safe treats to give to the dog in their place. Create a candy storage area that is in an out of reach from your pet. Remind children that candy wrappers can also be dangerous to your pet if eaten so encourage them to put all wrappers in the trash as soon as the candy is eaten. Chocolate in all forms, and any candy containing xylitol, a sugar free sweetener, is toxic and can cause serious problems even death. Even small amounts of xylitol can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar and subsequent loss of coordination and seizures. “Xylitol ingestion can also cause liver failure in dogs, even if they don’t develop symptoms associated with low blood sugar.
Happy Halloween Ghoulies!
Lisa ❤️
Lisa's Pet Care 