Halloween Safety For Pets

Halloween can be dangerous for dogs, with visits to emergency veterinary practices up by 12% during the week of Oct. 31, according to Nationwide Pet Insurance. Pet costumes, candy and other fun Halloween traditions can pose some serious risks to dogs, which is why Camp Bow Wow is sharing its top tips for a holiday that’s safe, not scary.

“Many pet parents enjoy including their pup in Halloween festivities but don’t realize that the holiday can be hazardous for pets,” said Camp Bow Wow’s Animal Health & Behavior Expert, Erin Askeland, MSc, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA. “It’s estimated that thousands of dogs are injured or become ill every year due to Halloween traditions like costumes, decorations and treats.”

Askeland says people can keep their pets safe this Halloween with a few basic precautions:

• Avoid taking dogs trick-or-treating. Dogs can get spooked by strangers at the door or people in costumes or masks and may bite someone or run away if they feel threatened. It’s better to keep them in a secure, safe space at home where they cannot escape or approach trick-or-treaters.
• Ensure your dog’s costume is safe. Your pet’s costume should allow for free movement, hearing, vision, breathing and barking. Avoid costumes with small, dangling or easily chewed-off pieces that your pet could choke on. To make sure your pet’s costume is safe, try it on before the holiday. If your pet seems uncomfortable or shows abnormal behavior, it’s best to avoid the costume altogether.
• Keep candy out of reach. Chocolate, especially dark and baking chocolate, and other candies are toxic to dogs. If you suspect your pet has consumed something toxic, call your veterinarian or your local poison control immediately.
• Be mindful of decorations. Watch out for edible decorations like pumpkins and candy corn. While most of these edible decorations are relatively nontoxic, they can still cause an upset stomach for dogs if consumed or nibbled on.

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Posted by Liz on Oct 25 2024. Filed under Current Articles, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.