Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween can be so much fun for kids and some grown-ups. It can also be fun for your pets. However, there can be some potential dangers and stressful events for your pets. Just remember to keep your pets safe from these Halloween hazards.

·          Halloween Candy & Treats

Halloween means candy and treats that are plentiful and easily accessible to young children and pets. Remember that some candy and treats are not good for dogs! Chocolate and artificially sweetened candy such as gum contains xylitol and can be toxic to dogs.  Wrappers and small pieces can be possible choking hazards and may cause obstruction or irritation to the pet’s digestive system. Party snacks may be too salty or contain ingredients that can also poison your pets. Try to keep the human goodies for the humans and out of your pet’s reach. Keep all treats in a sealed container and discard them properly. You can share some human treats with your pets such as carrots and sliced apples. However, remember not to give too many because overfeeding them can also cause problems.

·          Trick-or-Treaters & Party Guests

Most of our dogs love when people are visiting. However, they may not like it when familiar people are dressed in their costumes. Some dogs may become very fearful and can behave in an unpredictable manner. Pets may also not respond well to the door bell ringing from the trick-or-treaters. The best solution is to place your pets in their crate or put them in a separate room. This may help to relieve some of the stress from these situations.

·          Halloween Decorations

Halloween decorations can be spooky and fun for us but for our pets they are new objects that they want to explore. Keep decorations out of your animal’s reach. Watch the placement of power cords from the inflatable decorations because they may trip your pet and can cause electric shock if they are chewed. Be careful with the placement of your jack-o-lantern so that your pet does not ingest them or bump into them, especially if they have a candle in them. This will prevent the chance of your pet starting a fire or getting burned.

·         Costumes for Dogs

We all know that some dogs do not mind when you put clothes on them whereas others really do not like it at all. They may feel very uncomfortable and a little scared of the costume. If you plan to dress your pet for Halloween, make sure the outfit fits comfortably. The costume should be roomy but not too loose fitting so that the pet doesn’t trip over the costume. It should also be reflective and fire retardant.  A costume that is tied too tightly could cut off circulation or choke your pet. Never leave your pet alone with the costume on because your pet may decide to chew it. This can lead to choking, sickness, or development of a gastrointestinal blockage.

·          Dangers Beyond the House

Try to keep your pet indoors on Halloween night. Loud and excessive noise can be frightening to your dog or cat.  Providing a safe, stress free environment reduces the possibility of your pet injuring themselves or others. Black cats especially seem to be targeted during the Halloween season.  If you do take your pet out, make sure your pet has a collar with ID tags on. Even if your pet is staying inside, they should have ID tags on so they can be returned if they escape. Having a microchip can also be very beneficial if your pet gets lost. Don’t forget to keep your dog on a leash at all times.

We hope all of this helps to keep your pets safe this Halloween. Happy Halloween!!!

Trick-or-Treat!!!

Summer Safety Tips

HEATSTROKE

During warm weather, the inside of your car can reach 120* in a matter of minutes, even if you're parked in the shade. Dogs and cats can't perspire and can only dispel heat through the pads of their feet and by panting. Pets that are left in hot cars even for a short time can suffer from heat exhaustion, heatstroke, brain damage and death. Play it safe by leaving your pet cool and refreshed at home while you're on the road.

Help Prevent heatstroke at home by providing your pet with plenty of cool, fresh water and have shade available at all times. Provide adequate ventilation and air circulation when pets are kept in kennels or pens. Also, provide shade covers to outdoor pets. Avoid excessive exercise during hot weather. If you need to exercise on hot days, it is wise to limit exercise to early morning or late evening hours when it is cooler. Remember that asphalt and concrete get very hot and can burn your pet's paws.

PICK-UP TRUCKS

It is very dangerous to drive with a dog in the bed of a truck. Flying debris can cause serious injury to your pet. If you should have to swerve or hit the brakes your dog may be unintentionally thrown into traffic. Protect your pet by putting crating them in the cab of the truck with you, in a seat belt harness or in a crate secured in the bed of your truck.

FERTILIZER AND INSECTICIDES

Plant food, fertilizer and insecticides can be fatal if your pet ingests them. Keep all poisonous garden chemicals out of reach of your pet.
*Read instructions carefully before applying to your lawn or garden.

THUNDERSTORMS AND FIREWORKS

Take your pets inside if there is a possibility of a thunderstorm. Loud thunder may frighten them or lightening could strike them. Loud noises combined with heat can be stressful and dangerous for pets. This is especially true of the Fourth of July. The fireworks are particularly scary to some pets. Avoid unnecessary stress by simply leaving them inside your home.

SUNBURN

Pets are subject to sunburn just as you are so, if you're planning a prolonged time in the sun, your pet may require sunscreen on his or her nose and ear tips. This is especially important if your pet has a light-colored nose or light-colored fur on his or her ears. Always provide shade, shelter and plenty of  fresh water for outdoor pets.

FLEAS AND TICKS

Use only flea and tick treatments recommended by your veterinarian. Some over-the-counter flea and tick products can be toxic, even when used according to the instructions.
Also, check with your veterinarian to see if your pets should be taking heartworm prevention medication. Heartworm disease, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, can be fatal in both dogs and cats.

SWIMMING POOLS

Prevent free access to pools. If your pet enjoys the water, always supervise them.