Spooky season is officially here, and your pet has questions. Why is there a skeleton on the porch? Who keeps ringing the doorbell? And why can’t they have what’s in that candy bowl?
Sacramento County’s Bradshaw Animal Shelter wants your pets spending spooky season safely at home with you. Costumes, decorations and visitors can bring extra risks for pets throughout October. A little planning can help everyone enjoy the season safely. Here are seven things to keep in mind before the festivities begin.
Keep the candy for the humans
Chocolate can be dangerous for dogs and cats, especially dark and baking chocolate. Xylitol, a sweetener found in some candies and gum, can be life-threatening to dogs. Raisins are dangerous for dogs, too, and swallowed wrappers can cause blockages. Store treats in a closed cabinet and pick up wrappers. Your pet’s usual treats are a better way to include them.
Give them a quiet place to relax
Your dog doesn’t need to greet every tiny vampire on the porch. Before guests or trick-or-treaters arrive, set up a comfortable room away from the front door with water, bedding and familiar toys. Keep the door closed and let guests know the room is off-limits.
Check their ID before the scares begin
Make sure their identification tag has your current phone number and their microchip registration has up-to-date contact information. Check that doors and gates close securely. A startled pet can slip out during a candy handoff, so plan how you’ll keep them away from the entrance.
Let your pet decide about the costume
If your pet freezes, hides or tries to remove the outfit, take it off. A costume should allow comfortable movement, clear vision and easy breathing, with no loose pieces to chew or swallow. Supervise dressed-up pets. A comfortable bandana—or their everyday look—can be plenty festive.
Decorate with curious paws in mind
Keep candles, electrical cords and small decorations out of reach. Flameless candles avoid an open flame, but batteries still need to stay inaccessible. Keep glow sticks and glow jewelry away from pets; biting them can cause mouth irritation and drooling. Check your setup from pet height, including anything a cat could reach by climbing.
Give them permission to skip trick or treating
A familiar neighborhood can feel very different when it’s full of masks, crowds and unexpected noises. Consider walking your dog before the rush and letting them relax at home during trick-or-treating. If you take them out, use a secure leash, identification and reflective gear, and head home if they seem uncomfortable.
Save the number before you need it
If you suspect your pet ate something toxic, contact your veterinarian or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 immediately. Don’t wait for symptoms. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, every day. Keep the packaging handy so you can describe what your pet got into.
Learn more by visiting, BradshawShelter.net