Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Halloween! Tips for your Dog and Cat!

"Halloween Pumpkins!"
Photo by rawpixel on Unsplash

WOOF!  WOOF! RUFF! ARF! BARK! BARK! HISS! HISS! Meow! Arfs? G-R-R-R-R-R-R-R  HALLOWEEN? Not our favorite time of year! Samson and I dread this day second only to the 4th of July with all it's fireworks and bright lights. Our cat cousins Max and Zoey do not like it either.

WOOF! I have not liked Halloween night since my human opened the front door several years ago and I saw all these frightening monsters staring at me and yelling “trick or treat!”  I started barking and really wanted to pee on them but my human restrained me. Arf.

My humans weren’t prepared for that night as they didn’t know it could be a very frightening experience for dogs as we weren’t expecting monsters on our territory- to paws the least. A few tips to keep in mind-
"Cat in the Shadows"
Photo by Sašo Tušar on Unsplash

Of utmost inpawtance are your pet’s ID.  Are the microchip and ID collar up to date with important information? Does your pet know their emergency human contact? WOOF! My Uncle Ed and Miss Glenda are my bestest buddies! Don’t tell Dad!

Keep a very close eye on your dog and cat, especially if they are black, on the days leading up to Halloween, including the day and night and the days after.  BARKS!! WOOFs!  There are mean humans who will tease, hurt, injure, steal, kill, and even torture animals on this night. Black cats are particularly of interest to these mean humans.

Though humans love Chocolate, all forms of it can be dangerously toxic for dogs and cats. Candy with the artificial sweetener xylitol can be poisonous to dogs too- if you think your dog or cat has gotten into candies, contact the Veterinarian immediately, local Pet ER Hospital or the Pet Poison Helpline (855)764-7661.

Paws, while pumpkins and corn stalks aren’t toxic, keep them away as biting huge pieces could cause intestinal blockage. Lit candles and pumpkins can be especially dangerous as one could get knocked over in all the excitement of the night or your pet could burn themselves. One chomp on electrical cords can shock your pet silly or even cause death. 

Don’t dress up your dog or cat unless you are absolutely pawsitive they like it! Try the costumes on before the big night. Last minute attempts could prove to be too stressful for everyone. BARKS! HISS! Costumes should not constrict movement, hearing, or the ability to breathe or bark and meow.  Festive bandanas are a great idea.  Remove costumes immediately which appear to cause stress and allow your dog or cat to wear my preferred one, “au naturel.”

Provide your cat with toys to distract them. The toys might distract the cat when trick-or-treaters are at your home.  Play some quiet music too. Ask your Veterinarian about products which could help your cat.

Pawing about cats, this is something I did not know. Do not allow your mini-humans to parade around the house in their Halloween costumes in front of the cat. Barks, cats tend to get scared when their humans look different than usual.

If you haven’t already, post the phone number to your dog’s Veterinarian and the nearest Emergency Pet Veterinary Clinic where you will see it and not waste time looking for it. 

Barks, and Meows, if your dog or cat does go missing, Halloween night being a night when many pets bolt out of fear, be sure to contact your local Animal Shelter

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