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Halloween is right around the corner, and many people will put their pets in costumes for some fun trick-or-treating or parading.
According to the AKC, calls to the Pet Poison Helpline increase by 12% during the week of Halloween,
making it the call center’s busiest time of year.
1. Keep Halloween Candy Out of Reach: Placing Halloween treats in a closed jar may be the safest way to keep them away from your pet. Encourage children to throw wrappers away and tell them how to keep their furry friends safe. Raisins, chocolate, candy corn, sweets with xylitol can be toxic to pets.
2. Ensure Costumes are Comfortable: Select a simple costume, avoiding anything that has straps or small accessories that can pose choking hazards or could get them trapped in usual areas. Make sure the costume fits comfortably and is not restricting your pet’s ability to move, see, smell, breathe or make vocal sounds.
3. Protect Pets From Halloween Decorations: Candles, electrical cords, fog machines, glow sticks, and rotting pumpkin can all pose a risk to your pet.
4. Keep Anxious Pets Calm: Crowds of people in your home, excessive noise, unusual costumes, fireworks, flashing decorations, and congested spaces can cause pets anxiety. Consider some calming aids to combat this.
5. Keep Pets Identifiable: Take all necessary measures to ensure your pet will easily be found if they escape. Proper identification, microchipping, and GPS collars all provide steps to help you bring your pet home safely.
Our special reports team at Veterinarians.org has shared a few safety guidelines in order to keep pets safe this Halloween:
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