This holiday of ghosts, goblins, and spooks is one of the most dangerous times of the year for pets. Your knowledge of potential dangers along with careful preparation will help ensure that your cat or dog has a safe holiday!
BLACK CATS BEWARE
It’s very important to keep all pets, especially black cats, indoors on Halloween night. Cats or dogs wandering the streets on Halloween are at risk for getting lost, being used in a ritual, hit by a car, abducted, injured, and taunted by costumed kids.
EVIL IN THE NIGHT
Pets should be locked indoors, either in a crate or in a secure separate room, while trick-or-treaters come to the door or if you are having a party. Place their special bed, favorite toys or scratching post, food, and water in this room and play nice music.
CANDY: THE KISS OF DEATH
Halloween candy, including chocolate, is for humans, not animals. Be sure to educate your kids about this. Candy treats containing sticks such as lollipops and candy apples can be very harmful if ingested, causing choking, obstruction, or even perforation of the intestines.
DON’T ASK FOR BAD LUCK
Curious kittens and cats can burn their faces, feet, or whiskers exploring visually attractive jack-o’-lanterns. Open flames can be alluring, too, so candles should not be left burning unattended. Many startled pets will accidentally knock them over, creating havoc and potential fires, not to mention serious burns from the hot wax. Make sure that all burning objects are out of your pets’ reach.
PROTECT YOUR PET
Make sure all pets have current, accurate, and readable identification tags. If you have recently changed your address or phone number, update the ID tag immediately. The shelters are inundated with lost pets before, during, and after this holiday.
CANINE AND KITTY COSTUMES
While pets look cute in costumes, resist the urge to dress them. Don’t force the issue; you can seriously traumatize your pet. Every year pets get strangled and even lose blood supply to their limbs from improperly fitting costumes. If you still choose to dress your pet, make sure you buy a costume made for dogs or cats and never leave them unattended when dressed up.
PET PARENTS PLEASE PASS THIS ON!!!!!!
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