Halloween Safety for Dogs
Halloween is just around the corner. The autumn holiday gets a little more popular every year. There are a few things for people with dogs to be aware of at this time of year, however. Read on as a Lakeville, MN vet offers some tips on Halloween safety for dogs.
Costumes
Our canine buddies are super cute, so it’s no surprise that they look absolutely adorable in costumes. Fido has been a taco, a spider, a lion, Cerberus, a dinosaur, and many other characters. However, if you do decide to dress your pet up, put his comfort and safety first. Never put your furry pal in anything hot, tight, itchy, or constricting. You also want to make sure that your pup’s outfit fits well, and doesn’t restrict his vision or movement. Last but not least, if your pooch seems uncomfortable in his costume, don’t force him to wear it. Just snap a quick photo and remove the outfit.
Candy
We all know that our furry friends love treats. However, keep that candy bowl away from Fido. Many of those candies are toxic to dogs! Chocolate, as you may know, is poisonous to Man’s Best Friend. Those sweets may also contain nuts and/or xylitol, which are also unsafe.
Traffic
Increased traffic, both pedestrian and vehicular, is another concern for dog owners to be aware of. If your four-legged friend has a yard to play in, you may want to keep him indoors on Halloween, especially after dark. You’ll also want to take extra care when walking your pet. Keep Fido on a short leash, and don’t let him get away from you, especially when crossing driveways or intersections.
Trick Or Treaters
Fido takes his job as door doggy very seriously. However, even the friendliest pooch can become agitated if the doorbell just won’t stop ringing. If your neighborhood gets a lot of trick or treaters, consider putting your canine pal in a quiet back room with comfy bedding and a puzzle toy.
Decorations
Never underestimate Fido’s interest in chewing on things. Anything small or sharp has the potential to cause serious—and potentially fatal—injuries. You’ll also want to keep candles and jack-o-lanterns out of paws’ reach. As the saying says, better safe than sorry!
Please reach out to us, your Lakeville, MN vet clinic, for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!
