Halloween Safety Tips for Your Dog

Halloween is just around the corner. It is the second biggest holiday in the US next to Christmas. It is a fun time for all ages - and for PETs.

At Cause to Paws we are having our 9th Annual Howl-O-Ween Pawty on Sunday, Oct 27th from 5 - 7 PM.

Every year it seems to get bigger and bigger - more pets, more people and more fun. If you haven't joined us before you should really try and make it this year. We have prizes in various categories - Best Homemade Costume, , Group/Duo, Overall Favorite and Best Performance or Trick. We have treats for you (Cupcakes from Party Favors) - and the pets - including my (in)famous carrot and peanut butter Pupcakes.  This year I think I will bake it into a cake  There is Dunking for Discounts and Bobbing for Hot Dogs - or the other way around - seems to change every year. We  use Rubber Duckies or Apples for the Discount Bobbing

We plan to have a ball this Howl-O-Ween - However there are a few things to keep in mind  - to make sure you keep you and your pets safe during Halloween.
Here are some tips I have gathered from a variety of others
thanks to RC Pets & the ASPCA:

• Chocolate in all forms can be toxic to dogs and cats Keep candies and chocolate out of reach from your pet. Candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can also cause problems. If you do suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
• Popular Halloween plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn are considered to be relatively nontoxic, but they can produce stomach upset in pets who nibble on them
• Pet costumes should not impede their movement, breathing, nor hearing and pets must be supervised to ensure that no part of the costume is accidental ingested.  For pets who prefer their “birthday suits,” however, wearing a costume may cause undue stress - just because you think it's cute it might not work for your dog. Use your best judgment.
• When greeting trick-or-treaters at the door, take extra care that your pet doesn't dart outside.
•  All but the most social dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room away from the front door during peak trick-or-treating hours. Too many strangers can be scary and stressful for pets.
• If going trick-or-treating, make sure your pet is fitted properly for a collar and is leashed.  Always make sure your dog or cat has proper identification
• Don't forget to clip on a Safety Light (we have these in the store) and/or pair your pet with a High Visibility Vest for added safety

Howl-O-ween Pet Safety

Halloween is a huge holiday for people and now also for pets. Cause to Paws is having our 8th annual Howl-O-Ween Pawty on Sunday, Oct 28th starting at 5 PM with judging at 6 PM. We have various categories of costumes for the pets - Best Homemade, Best Overall, Best Pet and Person Duo or Group, Best Pet and Pet Duo or Group, and of course Best Trick.  We're (the dogs) also bobbing for discounts and dunking for hot dogs.

When considering dressing your pet in a costume there are a number of things you need to keep in mind. If you have dressed them before in sweaters or coats this should not be an issue but if this their first experience with clothing your pet may not be all that receptive to the idea. Be considerate - you might be stressing them, so just be aware of their reactions. Masks are a definite no no and things on their heads may also be an issue (make sure their eyes/nose are not covered.)

If you are having your own Halloween party or will be answering the door all night, you might want to consider putting your pets in a separate room. Large dogs with big wagging tails can be especially problematic - especially when they get excited  - things can go flying - burning candles, jack-o-lanterns bowls of candy......... Curious cats need to be looked after, too. Keep them behind closed doors, provide food, water and toys/chew things to keep them occupied. You might also want to put on the TV or radio as an added distraction.

Halloween candy, especially chocolate can be deadly - there is a chemical that interferes with their nervous system. Wrappers, especially foil ones can get stuck in their intestines which can cause sickness and possible death if not immediately addressed.