Are you as excited for Halloween as all of us? How about your pet? There are fun events all over Belmont and Fort Mill that incorporate our pets into the Halloween festivities, but before you do that, we have some things for you to consider. As fun as this time of year can be, it also brings quite a bit of danger to our pet’s lives. As a general rule of thumb, when massive amounts of candy and chocolate are involved, it’s important to take extra precautions for our pet’s health. Don’t forget, UrgentVet Belmont and UrgentVet Fort Mill are both open 12:00 – 8:00 pm on Halloween!
Keep your pet far away from candy!
They’re really not great for any of us, but many sugary treats can cause much more harm than a belly ache for our pets. Chocolate can be toxic to both cats and dogs, and many other ingredients in candy can spell trouble for our furry friends. Even the sugar-free varieties, which are often sweetened with xylitol—are dangerous. Be sure all candy is picked up and put in a safe location before bedtime. For a list of substances toxic to pets, visit the Pet Poison Helpline, and call our office if you think your pet might have accidentally consumed Halloween candy.
Make sure your pet is happy with and safe in, their costume.
Some pets feel comfortable wearing clothing. Others do not. If your pet hates dressing up, don’t dress him up. And if he loves dressing up, be sure to choose a costume that is safe. Your pet’s costume should allow him to breathe, see, and move freely. He should be able to go to the bathroom, eat, drink, and bark or meow while wearing his costume. Never force your pet to wear a costume in which he doesn’t feel comfortable, even it makes him look cute as a button.
Keep stress at bay.
Does your pet get excited—perhaps too excited—when someone comes to the door? If so, put him in a dimly lit, comfortable room with soft music or a television on in the background to help muffle the sounds of ghosts and goblins ringing the doorbell. Bring in his bed, a few favorite toys, and something to keep him occupied, like a puzzle toy with treats hidden inside.
We hope that these tips help you and your furry family have a nice, relaxing holiday. If anything should happen, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re there when your pet can’t wait to feel better!