Since Halloween is right around the corner I wanted to share a few safety tips to help you keep your pet safe. If you have any additional suggestions please share in the comments below...
* No tricks or treats. That bowl of candy is not for your dog or cat so put it where they can't reach it. Chocolate in all forms—especially dark or baking chocolate—can be very dangerous for dogs and cats. Also, candy containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can also cause liver damage and death. If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please call your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
* Keep wires and cords from electric lights and other decorations away from your pets. It's best not to take a chance that they might chew on them and get shocked.
* If you are decorating with carved pumpkins and candles makes sure they are placed where your pet cannot reach them. You wouldn't want the candles to get knocked over and have a fire to contend with. Curious pets could get burned by candle flames.
* Don't leave pets unmonitored in costumes. Besides causing stress, you want to make sure your pet doesn't get caught in clothing while trying to escape from it. Make sure costumes don't constrict movement, hearing or impair your pets ability to breathe. In addition, make sure there are no small dangling parts that could be chewed off or choked on.
* Even the most social dogs would benefit by being kept separate and safely away from the front door. Too many strangers can be scary and stressful. Also, you don't want to take a chance of your pet becoming frightened and darting outside.
* Tag Tag Tag!!!!! I can't overstress the importance of this! Always make sure your pet has tags on and is microchipped (and that all microchip information is up-to-date). If for any reason your dog or cat escapes and becomes lost, tags and a microchip can bring them home. I've been told that you have a 95% chance of having a pet returned if they are wearing identificiation and have a microchip.
No comments:
Post a Comment