Paw prints: Simple steps can keep pets safe over Halloween
Oct. 28—As the spookiest night of the year rounds the corner, pet owners are reminded to take simple, common-sense precautions to ensure your pet is safe this Halloween.
Retired Veterinarian Dr. David Hudson provides some tips to keep your pets happy and safe, while saving you from a frightening bill from the veterinarian's office this haunted evening.
Trick-or-treat
After a night of going door to door on Halloween, kids tend to dump all their candy when they get home and begin trading for their favorite sweets. Hudson said the misplacement of candy often leads to pets consuming the treats while no one is looking.
Hudson said even residents who look to provide less sugar alternatives, such as grapes or raisins, for Halloween should be mindful. He said the amount of vet visits during the weeks bracketing Halloween grows exponentially as pets dig into treats.
The top Halloween treats to avoid are chocolate, sugar-free candies, gum and anything with raisins, Hudson said.
Costume contest
Though some pet owners might feel compelled to have matching costumes with their furry companions, Hudson advises owners to be cautious with introducing new outfit ideas to their pets.
"Pet costumes can be detrimental depending on the costumes. Like little sequins and ribbons a dog can chew off," Hudson said.
He said pets that are not used to wearing harness or sweaters will tend to chew at the costume out of curiosity or agitation. Costumes that contain ribbons, bells, bows and pompons can entice the pet to destroy and consume parts of the costume.
Scaredy cat
As children dressed in frightening costumes approach your door, make sure you keep an eye on your pet. If your pet is not used to the festivities it can often lead to your pet growing anxious or even territorial, Hudson said.
"I worry about a dog escaping and the pet getting upset and even endangering a kid," Hudson said.
Hudson said the best option is to exclude your pet from the spooky activities and secure them in a quiet secluded location such as a separate bedroom or crate. For residents who still wish to bring their pets out for the holiday, he advises owners to monitor their behavior and guard the door.
Madison Willis writes about animals for The Eastern New Mexico News. To suggest a story or nominate a "Pet of the week," contact her at:
