Halloween Safety Tips for Your Pets
Halloween is just about here and that means scary fun for the entire family, including pets. From costumes and candy to parties and trick-or-treating, being safe is always a priority. So how do you keep your pets safe?
Costumes are not for all pets. If your pet does wear a costume, make sure your pet is OK with the costume and that it’s safe for her to wear. According to the article, “Halloween Pet Safety Tips” at petMD.com, “Costumes need to fit properly without restricting movement, causing trouble breathing, or rubbing anywhere that might cause red spots or sores.”
It’s important to keep an eye on your pet while they are in the costume. It’s also a good idea not to keep the costume on your pet for too long. Signs of discomfort or anxiety in dogs can include lip licking, head turning, tucked tail, growling, and more. If you witness any of these, take off the costume. Cats may pace or become restless; they may hide or show decreased appetite.
Halloween candy is a no-no for pets. According to the article, “These 6 Halloween Pet Safety Tips Are Fright-Night Necessities” at Chewy.com, “Your pet should never eat any kind of candy,” but some types can be very toxic, including:
• Chocolate
• Raisins
• Sugar-free candy
• Caramel apples
• Candy corn
• Macadamia nuts
Let’s not forget trick-or-treaters, as they can be a cause of stress for pets. According to the Chewy article, it’s important to keep your pets away from the front door. The door will open and close multiple times and you want to ensure your pet doesn’t get out. Use a pet gate, a crate, or leave your pet in another room with the door closed. It’s always best to keep your pet safe.
October is Pet Wellness Month
Did you know October is Pet Wellness Month? What a perfect time to put your pet’s health first by focusing on preventive care, regular check-ups, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle for your pet. You love your dog, why not show how much by keeping him healthy.
Preventive care for dogs is so important and helps your pet down the line. According to the article, “Celebrating Pet Wellness Month: A Dog’s Best Friend” at Dogtopia, start with veterinary check-ups for your pet on a regular basis. “Routine examinations can help identify problems like dental issues, heart conditions, hip dysplasia, and cancer before they become more advanced and challenging to manage,” the article said. Keep your dog up to date on important vaccinations while also ensuring your dog gets a balanced and nutritious diet as well as regular exercise.
Along with their physical health, dogs need good mental stimulation. “Boredom can lead to behavioral issues like excessive barking and destructive chewing,” the Dogtopia article said. You can help keep your dog’s mind active by providing her with puzzles, interactive toys, and engaging games.
Keeping dogs healthy all year long is crucial and helps dogs live longer lives, according to the article, “October Is Pet Wellness Month: 10 Tips For Dog Wellness” at Dogtime.com. “Adequate nutrition keeps a dog fit and healthy and helps prevent many diseases,” the article said.
The Dogtime article also suggested the following for a healthy lifestyle for your dog:
• Don’t overfeed. You want your dog to maintain a good weight. “An overweight pet has a decreased quality of life,” the Dogtime article said.
• Ensure your dog gets enough exercise including walking, playing, and hiking.
• Keep up on dental care for your dog.
• Brush their fur.
The healthier your dog, the better life he will live.
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