Halloween is the day for tricks and treats! Don’t be tricked into a bad night, use our safety tips to help you and your pet celebrate the spooky season the right way.
Keep the Treats for Yourself
While it may be tempting to treat your pet to some candy, it can be dangerous. All forms of chocolate are toxic and can be lethal to dogs and cats. Sugar-free candy and other treats can contain a sweetener called xylitol, which can also be very harmful to pets if ingested. If you suspect your pet has eaten candy, or anything toxic, call your veterinarian immediately or call the ASPCA Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.
Preventing Your Pet From Door Darting
Does doorbell ringing, closing doors or new people scare your pet? It is common for many dogs and cats to get startled or riled with loud noises and too much commotion. If your pet is easily affected by these sounds or interruptions to their routine, it may be best to keep them in a separate room or tucked away safely in their crates.
For pets that do room the house, make sure to keep a close eye on them when they are near the door. Even pets that don’t typically dart out the door at the first opportunity can attempt to escape when faced with new stressors of the evening!
In Case Your Pet Gets Out
If your pet does get loose, make sure they are wearing a collar with an ID tag to make reunification easier. Ensuring your pet is microchipped is another way to increase the likelihood of them returning home. If your pet is microchipped, check with the microchip company to make sure all your contact information is up to date.
Still need to microchip your pet? We offer low-cost clinics throughout the North Texas area. Check out our events calendar to see future dates and locations.
Making Sure Your Pet is Comfortable in Their Costume
Dressing up your cat or dog can be an enjoyable way to show your spooky spirit! However, check that your pet doesn’t find their costumes restrictive, uncomfortable or startling. If your pet is showing signs of stress while in their costume, such as excessive panting, sweaty paws or simply not moving freely – it’s probably best to forego the costume.
If you do dress your pet up, make sure there aren’t any elements of the costume that could cause scratchiness or discomfort, constrict your pet’s movement or obscure their vision.
A good alternative to a costume could be putting a Halloween-themed banana or festive collar on your pet!
Pet-Safe Halloween Home Decorations
Don’t forget to consider your pet’s safety when decorating for the season! Secure any decorations that could come apart and pose choking hazards for your dogs or cats. Candles can help set a spooky mood, but make sure to keep them out of reach of your pets so they don’t burn themselves or knock the candle over!
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, plus make sure you are signed up to receive email updates from Operation Kindness to stay updated on what we are doing.
