Did you know that Halloween is one of the more dangerous holidays for our canine friends? There’s almost no end to the ways Fido can get himself in trouble! A Sherman Oaks, CA vet lists some seasonal dangers for pet owners to be aware of in this article.
Costumes
Dogs are always charming, but they somehow manage to be extra adorable when they’re dressed up. Fido may be the world’s cutest spider, avocado, or bumblebee! Just put your pet’s comfort and safety first. Don’t put your furry buddy in anything that is tight on him, or restricts his vision or movement. Anything hot or flammable is also a hard no, as is anything with zippers, buttons, or dangling parts.
Treats
Treats are a big part of many Halloween events. However, most of those sweets are dangerous to Man’s BFF. Anything that contains chocolate is toxic to Fido. Plus, many cookies and candy bars contain things like nuts, raisins, or xylitol, which are also unsafe for dogs. Hard candies present a choking risk, as do candy wrappers. This is something to be mindful of if you have little kids: children may not know what is and isn’t safe for pets, and may try to share their goodies with their furry friends.
Traffic/Visitors
There may be extra cars on the road around Halloween. If you live in a busy neighborhood, you may also see lots of foot traffic. Keep this in mind when walking Fido, especially when taking him out at night. Use reflective gear, and stick to well-lit areas. Unfortunately, you’ll also need to be wary of pranksters. Don’t let your pup eat anything off the ground, and don’t leave him in the yard unattended, especially after dark. Your canine buddy may also get a bit worked up when a stream of costumed visitors starts appearing at his door. If your pooch gets agitated easily, put him in a quiet room with bedding and toys.
Decorations
Dogs are very playful and curious. This is cute. However, they sometimes try to investigate things by eating them, which can be quite dangerous. When you’re decorating, keep anything that isn’t safe for Fido in high, secure spots. That includes small or sharp objects, chemicals, candles, medicines, and anything with batteries or power cords.
Happy Halloween from all of us here at your Tarzana, CA animal hospital. Call us anytime!
