We all love Halloween: silly costumes, loud parties, yummy candy, creepy jack-o’-lanterns, and spooky stories included (seriously, what’s not to love?!). Just because we humans enjoy the thrills and chills that come with the Autumn season doesn’t mean Fido feels the same way. The 31st can be downright stressful for our four-legged companions. To make sure everyone enjoys the spooky festivities, read the following precautions offered by yours truly:
Spencer, Mika, Deborah Howard, and Beatrice
Picture courtesy of Dietrich Falkenthal
2) Keep candy out of reach at all times. Chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats and plastic wrappers are a chocking hazard. Offer a tasty, healthy treat instead!
3) If your animal gets easily stressed by the constant trick or treat traffic, keep him or her in a quiet or secluded area of the house. This also keeps your pet from taking a chance and bolting out the door.
4) Don’t dress up your animal if he or she gets bothered by wearing clothing. If you opt for the princess costume, search for possible chocking hazards and make sure your pet can breath, hear, and move properly and comfortably.
5) Costumes, masks and makeup can cause stress in animals. If they get anxious by the unfamiliar, keep them in a different quiet part of the house and do not take them trick or treating with the kids.
