Common Halloween Pet Hazards

Halloween can be fun for your pet. You may dress them up and take them along for trick or treating. That way, they get to spend time with you during the festivities. However, remember to keep them safe, happy, and healthy. Sometimes, the fun, the treats, and the decorations can be a bit too much for them. So, how do you keep your pet safe during this season?

Here are some common pet hazards to watch out for as you enjoy yourself.

Costumes

You must be cautious about the costume you want your pet to wear. What may seem like a cute garment may bring undue stress to your pet. Also, consider how it would feel if someone put you in a costume you do not want to wear. Avoid doing the same to your pet unless you know it likes it.

If you want to dress up your pet, ensure the costume is breathable and your furry friend can meow or bark. It should also not limit their movement. Consider whether it has dangling pieces that may become a choking hazard, and get rid of them. Try the outfit on your pet the night before Halloween or a few days before. It will allow you to see how your pet behaves and consider whether there is a need for dress-up.

Treats

What may be a bowl of delicious treats for you may be a toxic hazard for your pet. Make sure that you keep your pet away from all forms of chocolate. Stash away all forms of sugarless sweets with xylitol. It can result in vomiting, lethargy, and liver damage. Call your veterinarian at Liberty Animal Clinic if your pet accidentally ingests something toxic.

Decorations and Wires

Be careful about where you place your lights and jack-o-lantern. Pets can easily knock them over as they play with them. It can also start a fire. They can harm themselves by playing with candle flames or biting into decorative corn and pumpkins. You may end your night at the vet due to burns and stomach discomfort. Keep all these holiday decorations out of the reach of pets.

Trick or Treaters

As people in your neighborhood trick or treat each other, they come up to the door and you may open it. When you do that, your pet may escape as you are busy with trick-or-treaters. They can end up getting lost. 

To avoid this, microchip them and put them on a collar. It will help with easy identification in case a good Samaritan comes across your pet. You can also consider keeping the pet inside a room to avoid escapes. However, be vigilant.

Noise and Excitement

All the noise and excitement may make your pet anxious and fearful. You can soothe your pet by keeping it in a separate room away from trick-or-treating. Ensure your furry friend is comfortable, happy, and well-fed. Otherwise, they may try to escape from the room and end up harming themselves or others. 

For more information on common Halloween pet hazards, visit Liberty Animal Clinic at our Hinesville, Georgia office. Call (912) 368-4080 to schedule an appointment today.