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OCTOBER NEWSLETTER
Halloween tips for pets: only treats this year, no tricks!
Halloween, while fun for humans, can be a stressful time for our pets. To help make this spooky time of the year safe and enjoyable for all of the four-legged members of your home the staff of Parks Veterinary encourages you to consider these helpful Halloween tips.
Stash the Stash
Let’s face it: treats and candy are what Halloween nights are all about! Your pets might try to get in on that goodness as well, but sweets can cause gastrointestinal distress in even the healthiest pets. In fact, ingredients such as chocolate, raisins, macadamia nuts and the artificial sweetener xylitol can cause life-threatening complications. Empty wrappers and boxes can cause choking or intestinal obstructions. There are plenty of pet-safe treats – even some with *pumpkin spice*- that are available if you want to make sure your four-legged friend is included in the treat haul!
Keep your Monsters Inside
Trick-or-treaters will have you answering your door more often than any other day. This could be viewed as an opportunity to escape by your pet. If you know you have an escape artist, plan ahead to keep them in a secured part of the home for the evening. Of course, make sure your pet is easy to identify with a secure collar and up to date ID tag, or for added safety, consider having your pet microchipped.
Haunt Wisely
Holiday décor can put your home in a festive mood but can be hazardous to pets. Keep your furry friends in mind when decorating for the holiday and watch for possible concerns. For example, fake spider webs can be a choking hazard and lit jack-o-lanterns are a tempting fire hazard for curious pets. If your spooky décor has electric cords, make sure they are safely tucked out of sight and won’t be chewed on. Likewise, glow sticks / glow jewelry, flashlights or battery operated accessories should be kept out of reach of your furry friends.
Costume with Care
Let’s face it, pets in costumes are adorable, but not all pets enjoy wearing them. Before choosing a costume for your pet, consider if their personality makes them a good candidate for dressing up. You can always do a quick costume photo session for your insta feed and then change into a more functional, but still fun, holiday collar. Costumes should not restrict vision, movement or ability to breathe and should be examined for buttons, snaps or ties that can be easily chewed or choked on.
Safety First
Even the best-behaved pets can become anxious or overwhelmed by Halloween festivities – watch your pet’s behavior and keep their comfort in mind when making holiday plans. For example, masks and costumes can confuse or frighten pets, even on people your pet knows. If your pet is easily stressed, early morning walks can help keep them calm during the spooky night events. Additionally, the Parks team can recommend anti-anxiety medications and behavioral products that might be of benefit for your four-legged friend.
Halloween is an exciting and fun time of year, and we hope that you and your pets can enjoy the season together. As always, if you have further questions, you can always call or text our office to discuss your concerns with a veterinary professional. Happy Halloween from Parks Veterinary!