Autumn has arrived. What do you think that means? Halloween is just around the corner.
Halloween is such a fun time of year, but to make sure the fun stays that way, I’m dedicating this column to pet safety before and after the spooky holiday.
The first topic probably seems obvious, but it focuses on Candy and her furry sidekick. The simple and safe answer is that pets shouldn’t enjoy Halloween candy with family members.
If your pet has gotten into someone’s Halloween candy stash, be sure to seek veterinary advice to determine what medical intervention is necessary. As with any potential toxin ingestion, “the dose makes the poison” means that the amount your pet eats is critical in determining the risk level. Whenever possible, bring a candy wrapper with the ingredients to your veterinarian if it hasn’t already been eaten.
When it comes to Halloween costumes and pets, caution is key. While taking your pet trick-or-treating with your family may seem like a fun idea, understand that this can be a very scary and potentially dangerous experience for your pet. It is important to do so. You can figure out that behind the scary costume there’s probably a kind face, but your pet can’t come to that conclusion. As a result, your pet may develop aggression and other undesirable behaviors. We strongly recommend that you leave your pet at home when going door-to-door to trick-or-treat.
Similarly, if you plan on handing out candy to trick-or-treaters, it may be best to kennel or lock your pet in a room to prevent unintentional negative behavior. Opening and closing the front door frequently will also avoid the risk of your pet getting loose.
Now, if you’re a pet parent who enjoys dressing up your pet for the holidays, as long as your pet is comfortable and happy in the costume, I’m totally on board. Then, send us an email with your favorite pet’s Halloween costume or any other pet-related questions you’d like answered.
“Ask The Vet” is a weekly series by Dr. Devon B. Smith, a Baltimore veterinarian and assistant at Madonna Veterinary Clinic in White Hall. Please send any questions or photos about your pet using the form below.
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