SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — Like the Fourth of July, Halloween can be a scary time for pets. From toxic treats to dangerous jewelry to constricting costumes, it’s important to know how to keep your pet safe during this time.
The Schaumburg-based American Veterinary Medical Association recently released tips on how to protect your beloved pets. The organization represents 105,000 U.S. veterinarians. Here are some tips to follow:
candy
Halloween means lots of candy at home. It can be a little hard to say no to the begging eyes watching you unwrap another mini candy bar, especially if it contains chocolate or xylitol (a common sugar substitute found in sugar). If you have one, it’s best not to feed your pet these Halloween treats. -Free candy and gum). These can be dangerous to your pet and in some cases fatal.
costume
Pets dressed up for Halloween may look super cute, but costumes can cause problems if you’re not careful. Make sure it fits correctly and does not restrict vision, hearing, breathing, mouth opening, movement, and that there are no parts that can easily bite or cause choking. If your pet feels uncomfortable in the costume, too constricting, or just generally miserable, don’t force them to wear it.
ornaments
Halloween decorations are a fun way to create a festive atmosphere for the holiday, but be careful as decorations can be dangerous to pets. This can include objects that a curious pet can knock over or chew, causing an obstruction in the stomach that can be life-threatening or require surgery. Lighted candles, jack-o-lanterns, psyllium, glow jewelry, and other decorative items should be kept out of reach of pets as they can cause burns and indoor fires. It’s the best.
trick or treat
Knocks on the door, doorbells ringing, costumed strangers shouting “trick-or-treat,” as well as frequent opening and closing of doors can stress your pet and give it an opportunity to escape. . Always be careful when opening doors to prevent your pet from escaping, and make sure they are wearing proper identification (collar and microchip) in case they escape. Additionally, give your pet a quiet, safe hiding place indoors and away from activity. They need the opportunity to observe what’s going on (they may like to watch people through the window), but they also need the opportunity to protect themselves from noise and activity.
For tips on keeping your pet safe this Halloween, visit the AVMA’s Halloween Pet Safety page.
