10 Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe!

Halloween is almost here which means it’s time for tricks, treats, costume parties and general over-indulgence. Halloween is a fun time for many of us, but can also be a hazardous time for your dog.

Here are a few things to think about during this time of year:

• Avoid giving candy to your dog. Chocolate is toxic to them and can be fatal. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association also shows a link between the sugar substitute Xylitol and possible liver failure in dogs.

• Don’t leave candy wrappers lying around the house. These items along with things like decorative cobwebs can get into your pets digestive tract and make them sick.

• Costumes are fun but your dog may not know the difference between a costume and a scary and unusual creature approaching them. Take the appropriate steps to make sure your dog does not harm innocent trick-or-treaters!

• If you dress up your dog, make sure your pet’s vision is not obstructed. A dog may become agitated if they can’t perceive things the way they are used to.

• Loud music, lots of people and costumes may cause your dog discomfort. Make sure your pets are secured during parties in a safe room with food and water.

• To help alleviate holiday stress you may choose a natural stress-relieving tablet. These can be used as a natural alternative to chemical depressants which may cause grogginess for several days after use.

• If you decide to walk your pet while trick-or-treating, increase their visibility to others by placing a Blinking Bone or Pup Light on their collars.

• When walking your dog use a harness instead of a collar as collars can restrict airflow and be ineffective in stopping your dog from pulling. Some might also wish to use a comfortable muzzle.

• If your dog is an outside pet then check the yard for locked gates, holes or potential escape routes.

• Some use this otherwise innocent holiday as an excuse to harm dogs and cats. Be aware, secure and safe.

Remember, as Riley says, “Always be kind to pets”.