Paws and Claws: Halloween may be a scary and anxious time for family pets
Photo by Elias Castillo via unsplash.com
by Cindy Anderson, DVM, Animal Care Clinic
Halloween can be a festive time for families, but it can be a nightmare for pets. Here are some safety tips to keep Halloween fun and stress-free for all family members, especially furry friends.
Don’t leave pets outside on Halloween. Leaving pets out in the yard can be stressful. It also provides an opportunity for pranksters to tease or injure the pets. Black cats are especially at risk from pranks and many shelters do not allow adoptions of black cats during October for that very reason.
Keep Halloween plants, such as pumpkins and corn, out of reach. While small amounts of corn and pumpkin can be fed safely to many pets, ingesting uncooked, partially molded pumpkins or a corn display can cause big problems. Gastrointestinal upset is possible whenever pets eat unfamiliar foods. Also, intestinal blockages can occur if large pieces are swallowed.
Don’t dress pets in costumes if it upsets them. Costumes should not restrict movement, hearing, eyesight or the ability to breathe. Also, make sure that the costume is the correct size. If it’s too large, the pet can trip or get stuck on something. If it’s too small, a costume can cause irritation by rubbing against the pet’s skin.
Don’t take an anxious dog trick-or-treating. Even if a pet is normally fine with crowds, it is important to remember that everyone is in costume on Halloween. A dog will be exposed to masks, wigs, elaborate makeup and other unfamiliar elements. Always keep a pet’s comfort a main focus, as the animals depend on us for that.
Proper identification, please. If a dog or cat should escape and become lost, having proper identification will increase the chances for a quick return home. Collars and tags are ideal if a good Samaritan is able to catch your wayward pet, but microchips offer permanent identification should the collar or tag fall off. Always make sure the contact information is up to date with the microchip company, and set a reminder to do this yearly.
Provide a calm, quiet and secure area for pets to stay. Dogs and cats at home aren’t always fans of the neighborhood candy hunt. The many people invading their territory can be problematic, especially for dogs. Unless a dog is extremely mellow, let them rest comfortably in a room away from the frenzy. Keep the door closed, and turn on the TV or radio to distract from other noises.
Halloween is a beloved holiday and a favorite for a lot of us! So please, buy the candy, wear the costume, decorate and map out a route for trick-or-treating. Just keep your furry family members in mind during the preparations and have a safe celebration!
The staff at Animal Care Clinic, located at 926 W. Grand River Ave. in Williamston; 517-655-5551; is available for help with any questions or concerns.
Cindy Anderson, DVM, is a graduate of MSU Veterinary College (1992) and has practiced veterinary medicine for over 28 years. She traveled to Italy, New Zealand and Manitoba before establishing her own clinic in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. Dr. Cindy took over duties at the Animal Care Clinic in October 2019 and now spends the majority of her time in the Lower Peninsula helping animals and their owners.
