Halloween can be a frightening time for family dogs. Each
Halloween, veterinarians nationwide see pet injuries that could
have been avoided. Here are some ways we can protect pets:
* Walk your dog before trick-or-treaters start their visits.
Keep a firm grip on the leash; many dogs are frightened by people
in costumes.
* Find a secure place in your home to keep your dogs, especially
if you're giving out candy to trick-or-treaters. Many dogs get loose
when the door opens, and the presence of little (and big) costumed
people often scares animals, increasing the chance dogs will run
away or get hit by cars.
* Make sure your dog is wearing an up-to-date I.D. tag.
* Place a dog gate in front of your front door to block access
in case someone accidentally lets your pet out of the place where
he's confined. Many dogs will run after trick-or-treaters.
* If your dog has any aggressive tendencies, fear of loud noises,
or a habit of excessive barking, place him in a quiet room as far
away from your front door as possible at least a half-hour before
trick-or-treaters arrive.
* Consider crating your pet, which can make him feel more secure
and reduce chances of accidental escapes. Provide chew toys, a favorite
blanket, a piece of clothing with your scent on it, or whatever
comforts the animal. Play soft music or a recording of soothing
sounds.
* If you want to have your dog near the door to greet visitors,
keep him on leash. Pets can become very stressed by holiday activities
and unwelcome interruptions in routine. A nervous dog might feel
threatened and growl, lunge or bite.
* Keep dogs indoors. It's a bad idea to leave dogs out in the
yard; in addition to the parade of holiday celebrants frightening
and agitating them, there have been reports of taunting, poisonings
and pet thefts. Plus they're likely to bark and howl at the constant
flow of treat or treaters.
* As for cats, as the ASPCA and other organizations advise, keep
cats indoors at all times.
* Do not leave dogs in cars.
* Keep dogs out of the candy bowl. Dispose of candy wrappers
before your pets get to them, since the wrappers can cause choking
or intestinal obstruction. Make sure the dogs can't get into the
trash. Note: Chocolate contains theobromine, which can cause nerve
damage and even death in dogs. The darker the chocolate, the more
concentrated it is -- and the smaller the lethal dose.
* Explain to everyone in your home (including kids) how dangerous
treats are to pets. Take young childrenUs candy supply and put it
somewhere out of reach of pets. Caution children about leaving candy
wrappers on the floor.
* Make sure pets can't reach candles, jack-o-lanterns, decorations
or ornaments.
* Halloween costumes can annoy animals and pose safety and health
hazards...so think twice before dressing up the dog. Make sure the
dog can breathe, see and hear, and that the costume is flame retardant.
Remove any small or dangling accessories that could be chewed and
swallowed. Avoid rubber bands, which can cut off the animal's circulation
or, if accidentally left on, can burrow and cut into the animal's
skin.
* If the animal is very high-strung, consult your vet about tranquilizing
for the night.
* When walking dogs during or after Halloween, watch carefully
for what they might pick up and choke on. Bits of candy and wrappers
abound on sidewalks and streets after holidays.
* If you notice these symptoms of chocolate poisoning, go to
your vet or an emergency vet right away because your pet's life
may be in danger:
Excessive drooling
Excessive urination
Pupil dilation
Rapid heartbeat
Vomiting and diarrhea
Hyperactivity
Muscle tremors and seizures
Coma
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