Five Important Pet Safety Tips from Birdneck Animal Hospital
At Birdneck Animal Hospital, we love Halloween, and we know you want it to be a fun day for the entire family. Take a peek at our list of veterinarian-approved pet safety tips as you prepare for Halloween, and you'll be able to plan a spooky but safe trick-or-treat day for your whole family.
Keep Pets Safe this Halloween
Keep pets indoors. Lots of foot traffic and extra cars in the neighborhood pose a hazard to wandering cats. Even an enclosed yard can be overwhelming if your dog hears plenty of visitors coming and going, so keep all dogs and cats inside for the night.
Tricks are for kids. Sweet chocolate treats are a must for your Halloween visitors, but the pets who share your home may be curious about these goodies as well. Keep candy and other treats out of reach, and call our animal clinic right away if one of your pets decides to help himself to the treat bowl.
Dress up with care. Some dogs and cats tolerate playing dress up, while others simply hate the idea. Don't force your pet to wear a costume, no matter how cute he or she looks dressed up. Contact one of our veterinary staff members if you are unsure about costuming, or your pet has consumed a portion of his or her costume.
Choose safe costumes. Any costume you use for your pet should be designed for cats or dogs, not humans. Be wary of costumes with small parts that could be chewed off or with loose strings that could pose a choking hazard. Call us at the animal clinic if you are unsure about your costume choice. Halloween won't be much fun for anyone if you end up spending it at our veterinary hospital instead of at home.
Create a safety zone. If your pooch is prone to anxiety or your indoor cat is an escape artist, set them up in a safety zone for Halloween night. A spare bedroom with all the comforts they need will keep them from getting upset or making a mad dash for freedom every time a new arrival rings the doorbell.
Keep these tips in mind as you plan your Halloween celebration. Here at Birdneck Veterinary Hospital, we love the Halloween season - but we love our pet patients even more. If you have any questions about pet care this Halloween, give us a call.