Halloween Safety

I really wish they would take me Trick-Or-Treating this year, but they feel that

candy isn't the best for my figure.

  

So Dr. Darren Woodson writes an article every week for the Tri City Tribune, I enjoy reading it while I pester the people on the front desk.

Also there was a costume contest today at Petco that they didn't invite me to either! I really was looking forward to going as Catwoman, but they didn't understand the fact that I was already in costume. From what I hear, there were Shetland Ponies that won first prize, then some dog that had a stuffed cowboy riding on her back.Even the Green Lantern was there! 

Below is a copy of the article in this week's Tri City Tribune... Beware, it is a little spooky... OK maybe not.


1. Lots of people like to have fun during the Halloween festivities, but our pets can truly be “spooked” by all of the noises and costumes. Halloween is a holiday with many dangers for our dogs and cats.

2. Dressing up is fun for everyone, but may not be very fun for our pets. If your pet tolerates a costume, there are some things to keep in mind.

3. Your pet must be comfortable at all times. Avoid any costumes that use rubber bands or anything that might constrict circulation or breathing. Likewise, avoid costumes with toxic paints or dyes. Your pet’s costume should be inedible.

4. If your pet appears uncomfortable in any way, allow him to dress up in his “birthday suit.”

5. It will be dark outside. You and your pet should have some sort of reflective clothing on to ensure drivers can see you.

6. Costumes on people can be equally scary to pets. Masks, large hats, and other costume accessories can confuse pets and may even trigger territorial instincts. It is not unusual for pets to act protective or be fearful of people in costumes, even if they normally are very social with that person.

7. Remember, you are responsible for controlling your pet and insuring that he does not bite any of the neighbourhood ghosts.

8. The two biggest concerns for pets during the holiday are injuries and poisonings.

9. The excitement of the day may be too much for even the best-behaved dog. Constant visitors to the door as well as the spooky sights and sounds may cause some pets to become fearful. These pets could run away and become injured in a variety of ways.

10. Consider allowing your dog to spend Halloween in his own special place inside with special treats, safe and secure from the goblins. Even if you have a fenced yard, Halloween is definitely not a good night for your dog to be outside without supervision and restraint.

11. Some Halloween decorations can be unsafe as well. Fake cobwebs or anything resembling a string can be tempting to cats, leading to a foreign body obstruction.

12. Candles inside of pumpkins are easily knocked over, burning your pet or even starting a fire.

13. Keep your pet away from the Halloween candy. Chocolate can be toxic to pets and even small amounts can cause heart problems and vomiting.

14. Lollipop sticks and foil wrappers can become lodged in your pet’s digestive tract, causing painful obstructions.

15. Candy that is sweetened with Xylitol can cause low blood sugar in dogs and has been implicated in liver failure as well.

16. Although the threat is probably minimal, many people are concerned about black cats during this time of year. It might be wise to keep all cats indoors during this holiday.

17. If you can’t keep your cat indoors, considering a boarding facility or your family veterinarian. It may help to keep your friend safe!

18. The ASPCA poison control hotline is 1.888.426.4435. There is a $65 charge unless your pet is registered with their microchip, then it is free. www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control

As always, if you have any questions whatsoever, call your family veterinarian.

Just click on the link below, and you will find some ways to keep your fluffy friend out of the ER. You never know, if they end up here long enough, they might end up as crazy as I am.

http://www.tricitytribuneusa.com/article/Life_Leisure/Features/Halloween_safety_for_our_pets/31486