Enjoying A Safe Halloween With Your Pets

Autumn provides ample opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and make memories with your pet. From the inimitable sound of autumn leaves crunching beneath the paws of your pooch to the poetic way your feline gazes at the early sunset, this season is a special one for all. However, with Halloween’s approach, pet owners should prepare for the possible risks that also await their pets. Sure, there is fun to be had and treats to enjoy (we’ll get to that in a bit) but caution is also necessary in order to best protect your pet and avoid pet emergencies. Read on to learn more.

Spooky Can Quickly Turn Scary

Many pet owners decide to keep their pets inside starting at dusk on All Hallows Eve. Pets (including black cats, of course) can be at risk when it comes to senseless Halloween pranks. Keep Your Pet Safe by keeping him or her indoors after dark. You can even create a warm and cozy den for them to snooze in away from the shrieks and chatter of trick-or-treaters.

Be prepared if you do allow your pet outdoors after dark (or they escape by accident) by:

• Fastening a collar with a reflective pattern so your pet is more visible to the naked eye
• Double-checking your pet’s tags or updating your information on your pet’s microchip

Decorations and Costumes

We know it’s fun to decorate your home for Halloween but please be mindful of the numerous ways your pet could get into trouble:

• Electric cords – These create trip hazards or entanglement issues. Keep them off the floor/ground to avoid any chewing which could lead to electric shock.
• Jack o’lanterns – Keep these outside and away from animals who may be too curious about the flame or accidentally knock it over. If your pet likes the taste of pumpkin, please be on the lookout for major stomach upset if an abundance is consumed.
• Animatronic displays – Moving figures, spooky sound effects, and flashing lights can be fun, but not for your pets. Keep these items outdoors and away from your pets to avoid a fright (and possible flight).

Costumes are fun, no argument there. If you are hoping to dress up your pooch or kitty cat please check the following:

• The fit — should not be too tight
• Airways, vision, and temperature — don’t cut off air or sight and avoid your pet overheating in a costume

If your pet is not into dress-up as much as you are, don’t force the issue. Not all pets enjoy clothes, no matter the season.

C.A.N.D.Y.

Halloween candy has lots of hidden dangers starting with the wrapper. If your pet tears through your child’s treat bag or tips over your treat bowl, do your best to inspect your pet’s mouth for wrappers. If swallowed, wrappers can create serious blockages in your pet’s digestive system that could result not only in surgery but a lot of pain as well.

Chocolate Candy of any kind should absolutely be restricted in addition to candies sweetened with Xylitol. Pets that ingest either can be in a world of Halloween hurt.

Now For the Fun!

With some safety considerations out of the way, you can focus on enjoying the Halloween fun with your pet. You don’t want to leave them out of the whole business of treats so make some yummy ones yourself. Combine the following for a perfectly howl-tastic dog treat:

• 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup pumpkin
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup water as needed

Press the mixture into fun Halloween cookie cutters for the most discerning dogs.

Your cat will really embrace the festive spirit with these scrumptious Cat Claws that combine:

• 1/4 cup warm water
• 5 tablespoons parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons soft margarine
• 1 tablespoon cod liver oil
• 1 cup white flour
• 1/4 cup soy flour

Form into a dough, roll out, and cut with a Halloween cookie cutter. Bake for 20-25 minutes at 300 degrees fahrenheit.

Good, Safe Fun

If you and your pet are planning for a memorable Halloween, make sure it is a safe one. Remember, if you and your pet aren’t hitting the sidewalks for trick-or-treat fun, create a safe haven for him or her in your home. Contact Us with any questions or pet emergencies and have a Happy Howl-o-ween!