For veteran pet owners the following list is probably old news but for those folks who recently acquired a four-legged friend the following information will keep all pets safe while Halloween festivities are taking place:
1. Don't leave pets out in the yard on Halloween.
Surprisingly, vicious pranksters have been known to tease, injure, steal, and even kill pets on Halloween night.
2. Keep pets confined and away from the door.
Not only will your door be constantly opening and closing on Halloween, but strangers will be dressed in unusual costumes and yelling loudly for their candy. This, of course, is scary for our furry friends. Dogs are especially territorial and may become anxious and growl at innocent trick-or-treaters. Putting your dog or cat in a secure room away from the front door will also prevent them from darting outside into the night.
3. Keep your outdoor cats inside several days before and several days after Halloween.
Black cats are especially at risk from pranks or other cruelty-related incidents. In fact, many shelters do not adopt out black cats during the month of October as a safety precaution.
4. Keep Halloween plants such as pumpkins and corn out of reach.
Although they are relatively nontoxic such plants can induce gastrointestinal upset should your pets ingest them in large quantities. Intestinal blockage can even occur if large pieces are swallowed.
5. Keep wires and electric light cords out of reach.
If chewed, your pet could cut himself or herself on shards of glass or plastic or receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock.
6. Don't dress your pet in a costume unless you know they'll love it.
If you do decide that your pets should wear a Halloween costume please make sure it isn't uncomfortable or unsafe. It should not constrict movement, hearing, or the ability to breathe or bark and meow.
7. IDs, please!
If your dog or cat should escape and become lost having the proper identification will increase the chances that they will be returned. Just make sure the information is up-to-date even if your pet has been microchipped.
I hope these 7 safety tips will help your pets have a safe and happy Halloween!
Remember not all kids are dog safe. We often focus on the dogs, but kids can be very reactive to dogs and the dogs ALWAYS get the blame. I see lots of parents taking the dogs out trick or treating with the family. The dogs can be perfectly harmless. However, not all the little ones out understand proper dog etiquette. It is always up to us to protect our dogs from other humans child to adult. It doesn't matter if you offend other people make sure anyone who approaches your dog does it appropriately or not at all. Your dog can't afford the risk.
ReplyDeleteHello Bailey,
DeleteI agree that dogs always get the blame for "nipping", barking, and scaring kids but it is the parents/caretakers who are to blame. I've often told parents of kids that my dog might bark out of excitement but not to worry because it only means she's excited and they could tell by watching her tail wag, etc, and what happens next most times is the child's tears start to flow. I believe all parents/caretakers need to teach their kids how to approach dogs for certain.
Good tips, thank you
ReplyDeleteSnorts,
Lily & Edward
Thank you!
Delete