Halloween is an annual celebration that many children and adults look forward to each October.
From the mysterious and the macabre to the goofy and gregarious, Halloween speaks to people in many different ways. And with the opportunity to accumulate several pounds of sugary treasure after a few hours of trick-or-treating, is it any wonder celebrants love Halloween?
While Halloween hijinks may be ideal fun for plenty of ghosts and ghouls, companion animals may not be so enthusiastic come October 31. In fact, Halloween can be a source of stress and even dangerous for many pets. Here are some things pet parents should keep in mind prior to Halloween.
Costumes
Pet costumes are popular and can help owners and their pets coordinate for Halloween. Some pets may find costumes uncomfortable or frightening. For those with a mind toward creative costume coordination, introducing the costume to the pet slowly and gradually can help ease the transition. Allow the pet to sniff the costume and put treats nearby to indicate it is no threat. If the pet simply will not warm to the idea of a costume, it’s best not to force the issue.
Glow sticks
Glow sticks are a safe way for children to enjoy some spooky fun on Halloween night and become more visible when the sun sets. But those glow sticks may be attractive to pets and they can bite them, ingesting the liquid. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center says typically pets experience a mild and self-limiting taste reaction to glow stick liquid. Wiping off the excess with a damp cloth to help prevent the pet from licking again and having another reaction can help.
Accessibility to candy
One of the biggest Halloween dangers for pets is the accessibility of candy, especially chocolate. Chocolate is toxic and particularly dangerous to dogs. Chocolate with high amounts of cacao is especially dangerous. Raisins and gum with the artificial sweetener xylitol also are problematic. Candy wrappers can get stuck in the intestinal tract and cause a life-threatening blockage. Lock candy away so pets can’t get into it.
Nerves
Many youngsters will ring the doorbell on Halloween. Anxious pets, and even those that normally aren’t nervous with visitors, may be overwhelmed. Keep pets in a dark, calm room away from the door to reduce anxiety and make it less likely skittish pets will escape the home and get lost.
Understanding common Halloween dangers can help keep pets safe on this fun-filled holiday.
