Protect Your Pet From Halloween Horrors

Whilst many of us look forward to Halloween, there are some dangers we need to be aware of to help keep our pets healthy and safe, ensuring it is a fun and enjoyable time for the whole family.

Trick or treaters

Whilst children may enjoy visiting houses in the local neighbourhood, this can be very stressful for pets within the household, with the ringing of the doorbell and opening the door more frequently than normal. There are a few simple steps we can take to try keep your pet calm: • Walk your dogs before darkness falls and do not take them out trick or treating with you. • Try and keep cats indoors. • Ensure your pet has a safe place to retreat to, away from the main door. Cats often like to be up high, whilst dogs may like a den making. Any birds and small animals may need moving to a quieter area of the house. Rabbits/guinea pigs etc may prefer to be moved inside for the night or a garage so long as there are no cars in there. • Drawing your curtains and having the TV on may well help to keep your pets more settled. • Some dogs may be over stimulated with all the excitement and many need a tasty chew to distract them. • Ensure your pets are safely behind another door, so as not to slip out and potentially bolt at the sight of a witch on the doorstep. Microchip details should be checked to ensure they are up to date in case they do escape. • If you are concerned for your pets, a polite note to ask trick or treaters not to knock, may well avoid a stressful evening.

Chocolate and sweets

Most owners are aware that chocolate is poisonous to dogs but may not be aware there are also dangers with sweets. Besides the packaging, which can be ingested along with the sweets and cause obstructions in the stomach or intestines, some sweets especially chewing gum contain Xylitol. Xylitol is actually more poisonous than chocolate so care should always be taken to ensure all sweets, chocolates and wrappers (even empty ones!) are always kept out of reach of our pets. As always, please do call us if you have any concerns.

PROTECT YOUR PET FROM HALLOWEEN HORRORS by Amy Metters RVN

Candles and pumpkins

With the darker nights, many of us will be lighting candles to add atmosphere and a pleasant aroma – often to disguise the wet dog smell. Please ensure candles and pumpkins are out of reach for dogs and cats and they are never left in a room along with them. Kittens are particularly able to climb and find mischief in places you would think are out of reach. Safer alternatives, such as waxes may be more appropriate to use.

Costumes and decorations

Many people like to dress their pets up as well to join in the fun. Please do be careful, most animals will not enjoy this - though some dogs who are used to wearing a coat may tolerate a jumper. Those that obscure the vision of your pets may cause distress and please be aware of choking hazards if your pet decides to try and undress themselves or destroy decorations. Please remember here at The Beck Veterinary Practice we provide 24/7 emergency veterinary cover for our clients, please call us on 01947 820333 if you have any worries at all with your pets.