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Halloween is a lot of fun for people but not so much fun for our pets. Take a look at Halloween from an animals point of view.
Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, it's a lot of fun with costumes, parties, and candy. Halloween is a lot of fun for people but not so much fun for our pets. Take a look at Halloween from an animals point of view.
- Loud noises – Halloween is full of loud noises. Children laughing and screaming can be scary to dogs and cats. It is better to let your dog out to go potty early in the evening so as not to subject your pet to the strange noises. Make sure cats are indoors and safe. I also recommend leaving the family dog at home if you go out trick or treating. Even the nicest dog can snap at strangers if scared or provoked, and in this day and age that could equal a lawsuit. Protect everybody's safety by leaving pets at home.
- Strange people in costumes – Children and adults have a good time dressing up during Halloween, but to a dog they may not look like people at all. Many dogs may react with fear or aggression if approached by a child or an adult in costume. One more reason to leave the family dog at home and indoors on Halloween night.
- Pet costumes – I love to dress my dog up for Halloween (my husband thinks I'm crazy) and I have to admit my dog doesn't seem to mind, that much, but pets in costume should be monitored at all times. Watch for tight fitting elastic and make sure your dog does not ingest anything that could become an intestinal obstruction. To further clarify, anything can become an intestinal obstruction and an intestinal obstruction equals very expensive surgery in order to save the life of the dog.
- Mischief makers – We all know that hoodlums come in all shapes and sizes, some will tease our pets and some will try to hurt them. Animal abuse happens everyday but kids are out playing tricks in full force on Halloween night, so be aware.
- Candy – It's not good for people and definitely not good for pets. Keep candy in a safe place so that dogs and cats can't reach it. Dark chocolate can be especially harmful.
- Candy wrappers – Wrappers, if swallowed, can be almost as harmful as the candy. If too many wrappers are swallowed the animal may suffer with an intestinal obstruction.
- Lit candles and pumpkins – Animals, especially cats, are naturally curious. Lit candles left burning in pumpkins or decorative holders can be easily knocked over or the animal may burn its paw or tail on the flame. Animals should be watched around candles during Halloween and anytime of the year.
If you decide to let your pet out during Halloween or take them with you trick or treating make sure they are wearing proper ID with your current address and phone number just in case they are lost.
Related Articles: Microchip Pet Identification
The copyright of the article Pets and Halloween in Pet Care is owned by Charla Dawson. Permission to republish Pets and Halloween in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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