Halloween is creeping around the corner! Follow these tips to help keep your pets safe, happy, and calm during your festivities:
1. I.D. and Microchip
More than 10 million dogs and cats are lost or stolen in the U.S. every year, and often times the holidays come with a rise in lost pets. This could be from stress or anxiety due to increased noise, being around new people, or traveling to new places. Make sure your pet is wearing identification and has an updated microchip. These will drastically help increase your odds at reuniting with them if they go missing.
Just in case you need assistance with this, we offer daily walk-in microchipping appointments from 2-4 p.m.
2. No Candy for Canines
Don’t leave candy or wrappers on the ground or other easy-to-reach places. Remember that dogs have 300 million olfactory receptors. That’s 40 times more than a human! So, keep the treats out of reach, especially xylitol, a common sweetener used in sugar-free foods that’s extremely poisonous to dogs. But don’t forget to give your pups and feline friends a safe and tasty treat of their own this Halloween season.
3. Prevent Candle Catastrophes
Each year during Halloween, there’s a spike in open flame-caused fires. Keep your pets — and children — away from open flames, including jack-o’-lanterns with candles in them. And make sure to blow all candles out before going to sleep or leaving. Or, even better, try using a battery-operated candle or glow stick in jack-o’-lanterns!
4. To Costume or Not to Costume?
Want to make sure your pet is having just as much fun as you this Halloween? Only dress your pet if they tolerate it and don’t seem uncomfortable. Make sure any costume you use isn’t unsafe or restrictive. Your pet should never have his or her movement, breathing, barking, hearing, or vision restricted or blocked by clothing. Also, avoid costumes will small or dangling accessories. These can be serious choking hazards.
5. Keep Pets Indoors
Halloween and other holidays usually go hand in hand with parties and increased noise activity. This can cause pets to get easily startled and have increased anxiety. Make sure to keep them indoors at all times to prevent them from getting spooked and running away. And if you’re having guests over, try giving your pet a safe space to retreat to.
6. Know Emergency Contact Info
In case your furry friend breaks into a bag of chocolate or xylitol-sweetened candy, know the nearest all-hours emergency animal hospital. Contact the ASPCA Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 for immediate help.
