1. UPDATE YOUR PETS IDENTIFICATION
With people trick-or-treating at your door, or the possibility of your pet running scared from fireworks, we advise planning ahead, just in case your pet gets out. Make sure your pet is wearing a proper identification tag, and their microchip details are up to date so if something happens and they’re found later, you can be contacted.
3. KEEP HUMAN TREATS OUT OF REACH
There are plenty of lists explaining which foods your pet shouldn’t eat. Many pet parents know chocolate is a big no-no, but fail to understand just how grave the consequences can be if their pet eats candy containing xylitol (a common sugar substitute found in sugar-free candies and chewing gum). If ingested, gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting or diarrhoea may occur and in some cases after significant consumption, severe poisoning could be an issue.
3. KEEP COSTUMES SIMPLE
Costumes are a fun way to celebrate, but not all pets enjoy dressing up. Choose an easy-on, easy-off outfit that doesn’t constrict the head and neck, and monitor your pet for signs of stress when wearing their costume (such as panting or pacing).
There are other Halloween pet-safety considerations when it comes to costumes, like the material used (and whether it could cause your dog or cat to overheat), or whether it contains pieces that could be easily chewed and swallowed. Take time to get your pet accustomed to the costume before Halloween, and never leave your pet unsupervised while he or she is wearing it.
4. FIND SOOTHING SOLUTIONS
If your four-legged friend seems anxious or frightened by all the sights and sounds of this holiday, we can help you find a solution!
Your pet may benefit from:
- A calming wrap (Thundershirt). These products apply constant compression to reduce fear, anxiety and stress in cats and dogs.
- Calming Pheromones (Feliway or DAP). These aim to create comfort and familiarity in your pets immediate environment and can be purchased in an environmental spray or, plug-in diffuser or wearable collar form.
- Over the counter supplements (such as rescue remedy or Zylkene). These natural products (often administered orally) can aim to reduce mild anxiety.
- Prescription medications products – if your pet suffers from severe anxiety, it may need to see one of our veterinarians to receive a prescription medicine.
