Get your candy bowls ready and prep that pumpkin — Dr. Anthony Fauci says trick-or-treating is a go this year. Thankfully, after last year’s decided lack of Halloween festivities, the chief medical advisor to the president has said that trick-or-treating is a safe option for children again. That means you’ll need to take steps to keep your pets safe, too. That’s because this spooky season comes with plenty of potential pitfalls for our four-legged friends. Here’s how to protect your pets this Halloween, without sacrificing the fun.
Out of paw’s reach
That bowl of candy is tempting to more than just the trick-or-treaters. If left within reach, it’s likely your dog will help themselves to more than a few fun-size Snickers. But candy isn’t healthy for pets and chocolate is particularly dangerous, especially dark chocolate. Chocolate contains a toxin called theobromine, which can cause poisoning in both dogs and cats.
Signs of chocolate poisoning can include vomiting and diarrhea, rapid panting and heartbeat, and increased thirst and urination. Keep in mind that it can take hours for these symptoms to show up. And while milk chocolate is less of a threat due to lower levels of theobromine, the sugar and fat in a candy bar can still cause your pet plenty of gastrointestinal distress. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) right away for guidance if your pet has ingested chocolate.
Provide a safe space
Opening the front door over and over for trick-or-treaters can add up to lots of escape opportunities for your pets, not to mention a lot of stress. Ringing doorbells and crowds of loud, unfamiliar people in costumes can be frightening for shy cats and nervous dogs that could attempt to bolt, or even bite.
Consider keeping your pets in a quiet room where they won’t be exposed to the commotion, and where they can’t be tempted by an open door. Playing music, the TV or even a white noise machine can help temper the noise and maintain a peaceful atmosphere. Thunder Shirts for dogs and a covered bed for cats to hide in can also help them feel safe. And always make sure your pets are wearing proper identification — a collar with an up-to-date name tag, a current license for dogs, plus a microchip for good measure — just in case they do manage to slip out during the evening’s festivities.
Don’t force dress-up
Some pets are amenable to a little dress-up and may do just fine strutting in costume. But others may become anxious, irritable or overwhelmed. While it can be fun to get that perfect shot for social media, if your pet is easily stressed, skip the costumes. If your furry friend is open to their festive finery, make sure there are no components that can get caught around their neck or mouth, or any pieces that can be chewed or swallowed. And never leave your pet unattended in a costume. Supervision is the name of the Halloween game.
Decorations can be dangerous
Sure, you want to set a spooky scene, but some decorations are more treacherous than others. Jack-o-lanterns and other candles are a burn risk if a curious pet comes too close — not to mention a major fire risk in a county parched by severe drought — so opt for battery-operated, flameless candles if you crave that telltale flicker on your front porch. If you use decorations that plug into an outlet, be sure animals can’t chew or get tangled in the electrical cords. And steer clear of fake cobwebs, which can trap birds and cause serious harm if ingested by your pets.
Halloween doesn’t have to be a hair-raising event for our furry companions. With a little planning and a little caution, your pets can also have a safe and healthy holiday.
Julia Lamont is the marketing and communications coordinator for Marin Humane, which contributes Tails of Marin articles and welcomes animal-related questions about the people and animals in our community. Go to marinhumane.org, Twitter.com/MarinHumane, or email lbloch@marinhumane.org.
Source: www.mercurynews.com