Halloween is just around the corner! The autumn holiday can be lots of fun. Who doesn’t enjoy those seasonal treats and flavors? However, this can be a dangerous time for our furry companions. A Montgomery, AL veterinarian offers some advice on keeping your pet safe this Halloween.
Decorate Carefully
Pets are very playful, but they also have a knack for getting into mischief. Fluffy and Fido are often instinctively drawn to playing with or chewing on small objects. This is quite dangerous, as anything small can be a choking hazard. Anything stringy or ropy, such as garlands, lights, cords, or those fake spiderwebs, is also unsafe. Ask your vet for specific advice.
Keep Pets Contained
Letting your furry friend roam around off-leash is always dangerous, no matter what season it is. However, this time of year can be particularly hazardous for wandering pets. For one thing, it’s getting dark earlier. There’s also a high risk of poisoning at this time of year. Not only are many late-blooming plants toxic to pets, this is also a peak time for people to prime their yards, fill their cars with antifreeze, and set out rodent traps. Unfortunately, Halloween is also dangerous because of the increased risk of pranksters or people with ill intentions. Keep Fluffy safe and sound inside. As for Fido, keep him leashed or in fenced yards. If your pooch does have a yard to play in, don’t leave him outside unsupervised after dark.
Be Cautious With Fires/Flames
Candles, fireplaces, and fire pits can all make your home look super cozy in fall. Just be very careful here. Use grates before fireplaces, and put candles in high spots your furry friend can’t reach.
Offer Safe Treats
Candies are a big part of those seasonal festivities. However, many of the things you may have around at this time of year are poisonous to pets. Chocolate is a huge concern: it’s actually one of the most toxic foods for Fido and Fluffy. Nuts, raisins, sugar, and xylitol are also unsafe for them. Play it safe, and stick with vet-approved snacks.
Keep Black Cats In
Black cats have long been associated with Halloween. This unfortunately makes Halloween particularly dangerous for them. Keep Fluffy safe and sound indoors. On a brighter note, this is a purrfect time to snap some adorable photos of your feline void!
Happy Halloween! Please reach out to us, your Montgomery, AL animal clinic, for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs.
