Ensure that your cute kitten doesn’t attempt to eat a pumpkin this Halloween!
Halloween is a fun occasion for both children and adults! It’s incredible to see the unique costumes that people wear. However, when it comes to your fur babies, you have to be a little more careful. While you and your tiny tikes can indulge in a few sweet, delicious treats, pets should not snack on Halloween candy. While seeing pets dressed up in adorable costumes warms the heart and makes for great photos, you should also be conscious of the attire that you choose. If you plan on celebrating Halloween with your pets, here are a few things to keep in mind.
Hide the Halloween Snacks
The candy bowl should be for the adorable or spooky trick-or-treaters. Many candies and chocolates are toxic to pets. All chocolate and even sugar-free candy (due to the sugar substitute xylitol) causes serious issues. Xylitol can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), liver problems, or even seizures in dogs. If your pet does ingest something toxic, you should call the ASPCA Poison Control Center right away by calling (888) 426-4435.
Position Decorations and Wires Safely
Halloween is famous for carved jack-o-lanterns and festive decorations of all sorts! With that in mind, make sure to keep wires and decorations out of reach in case your curious cat accidentally knocks something over. You don’t want to risk your pets starting a fire or coming into contact with a flame. Also, while pumpkins and decorative corn are not technically toxic, they can cause stomach discomfort if ingested.
Consider What Costumes You Choose
Some pets merely don’t like costumes or at least specific ones. If you sense your canine companion or feline friend doesn’t like what they’re wearing, it’s best not to force them to wear it. Also, ensure that the costume doesn’t make it hard to breathe or move. It’s also true that ill-fitting costumes can get caught on objects. Ensure the attire is the right fit and check for any small, dangling pieces that your pets can chew off with ease. You don’t want your precious pet to choke!
Do What You Can to Keep Your Pets Calm
The doorbell consistently ringing and an influx of people coming to your door is enough to send pets into a frenzy. As you open the door for your guests, ensure that your pet doesn’t dart outside. You can keep them in a separate room if you know that the presence of strangers overly excites them or causes them stress. Because we’re still in a pandemic, you may even want to consider a “no-contact Halloween.” Be as safe as possible, and have a Happy Halloween!
Here at Mount Carmel Animal Hospital, We’ll Treat Your Pets Like Family!
Mount Carmel Animal Hospital has been serving the Northern Baltimore/Southern York community for over 30 years and is proud to be an independently operated, small animal practice committed to excellence in veterinary medicine and client service. From grooming to wellness services, along with Canine Life Skills Training Courses, and surgical procedures, we have the expertise that will best serve the needs of you and your pet. Contact us at 410-343-0200 and follow us on Facebook!