Halloween Safety Tips for Your Pets
Halloween is a fun and spooky time of year for those who celebrate, but it doesn’t have to be frightening for your four-legged friends! With strangers knocking at the door, loud or flashing decorations, and the potential for emergency vet visits, Halloween can be a stressful night for pets. Here are some tips to help keep your pet safe and comfortable this October, while you still enjoy the spooky festivities.
🎃 Keep the Treats Hidden
It’s easy to forget about the candy stash, but your pets have an incredible sense of smell and may help themselves to some "treats." Many candies, especially chocolate, raisins, and anything containing xylitol, are toxic to pets. These can cause GI upset, pancreatitis, and even organ failure. Wrappers can also cause blockages, so be sure to keep candy out of your pet's reach at all times.
🎃 Party Decorations: Proceed with Caution
While Jack-o-lanterns and other spooky decorations are fun, they can also pose risks. Keep lit candles away from pets to avoid the risk of fire, and be mindful of small decorations like confetti, spiders, and corncobs, which could be choking hazards. Glow sticks, which contain a bitter substance, can also cause drooling and GI upset if ingested. Additionally, loud or flashing decorations may scare your pets, so be cautious about how much sensory stimulation you expose them to.
🎃 Keep Costumes Comfortable
Dressing up your pet can be adorable, but their comfort and safety should always come first. Avoid costumes that impair your pet’s ability to see, breathe, eat, drink, or use the bathroom. Steer clear of headpieces or any loose parts that could be chewed or ingested. If your pet doesn’t like wearing a costume it's better to skip it- there is no need to add stress to their day
🎃 Create a Safe Space
With the doorbell ringing constantly and more foot traffic than normal, your pet might get scared or excited and try to slip out the door. To prevent this, provide your pet with a quiet, secure space away from the action. A crate or a separate room with their favorite toys, bedding, and fresh water can help them feel safe and secure. Consider playing soft music or white noise to drown out spooky sounds from outside. This will give them a calm space to relax while you enjoy the festivities- just make sure to check in on them periodically.
Exciting News from DePorre Veterinary Hospital!
Scheduling appointments just got easier! We’re excited to announce our new online booking system. Now, you can schedule your pet’s visit 24/7 through our website. Book up to four pets at once, and choose your preferred doctor, day, and time. You can schedule appointments for both sick and wellness visits, whenever it’s most convenient for you.
As a reminder, if your pet requires immediate attention or you suspect an emergency, please give us a call. We reserve a set number of appointments each day for emergency cases, which are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
We hope these tips help you and your furry friends enjoy a safe and happy Halloween! With a little extra preparation, you can keep your pets calm and protected while you join in on all the spooky fun.
If you have any questions or concerns about Halloween and other holiday safety for your pets, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re always here to help!
Wishing you a hauntingly good time, stay safe, and don’t forget the treats for the pups (but not the chocolate)!
DePorre Veterinary Hospital 🍬 👻 🐾