HAPPY HOWLOWEEN!! SOME SAFETY TIPS FOR YOUR DOGS!!

Written by a CP Media Volunteer

Saratoga

Monika's Saratoga shows off her costume for our story!

Growing up in a small town in upstate New York I have fond memories of celebrating Halloween as a child. After walking for hours and knocking on doors we finally got to go home and see what delicious treasures we were given after our Mom went through all of our loot and decided what we could and could not have. One day I became a parent and that meant that I was responsible for my children and our family pets. Now, my pets have become my “children” and yes I am still an over protective Mom. Here are some tips to keep our little fur children safe and secure this Halloween.

1. Never give them candy of any kind. Chocolate (especially dark and baking chocolate) is very dangerous for dogs and cats. Symptoms of ingesting chocolate may include vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, increased thirst, urination, and heart rate, and even seizures. Candies containing artificial sweetener (xylitol) can be lethal to dogs. Even small amounts can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, which can than lead to depression, lack of coordination and seizures. The wrappers that the candy comes in can create a choking hazard and/or intestinal blockage.

2. Halloween plants such as pumpkins can produce gastrointestinal upset should pets ingest them which could also lead to intestinal blockage if a large piece is swallowed.

3. Be sure to keep wires and cords from electric lights and other decoration out of reach Dog slove to chew, which may cause damage to their mouths from chards of glass or plastic, or they could get a life-threatening electrical shock.

4. Candles inside of pumpkins could be knocked over. Hot wax could leave bad burns, and fire can cause a severe burn or worse. Consider where candles are placed.

5. If you plan to dress up your dog, make sure it is comfortable in the costume and that is fits well and has no pieces that can be chewed off or caught on anything. It shouldn’t constrict their movement, vision or hearing, or obstruct their ability to breathe or bark. Try the costume on in advance and if your dog isn’t comfortable, consider a bandana or no costume .

6. Be sure to keep your dogs safe. Doorbells and strangers in costumes can be stressful to them. My husband and I take turns sitting outside in a lawn chair with a big bowl of candy and greet the trick-or-treaters that come to our house. This way no one has to ring our doorbell or knock on the door. Secure the entrance so your dog can not dart out.

7. Identification with current information should be present on your dog. If your dog gets out, a harness/collar with ID and/or a microchip increase the chances that your pet will be found and returned to you.