Halloween is a fun and tasty time for people, but many things associated with the holiday can put your pets’ health at risk. Here are a few important tips to make sure your pets stay healthy and happy:
- Xylitol (a sweetener often found in some types of sugar-free peanut butter, tooth paste, chewing gum and candies) are extremely toxic to pets. Even in small amounts, xylitol can cause drops in blood sugar levels leading to life threatening seizures. The sugar substitute also affects the liver’s ability to function resulting in vomiting and diarrhea. It is very important to tuck all candy away, so it stays out of paw’s reach, and make sure kids know not to feed candy to pets.
- All sweets have the potential to cause stomach upsets and diarrhea, but chocolate, especially baker’s chocolate, contain a caffeine-like compound that can cause heart arrhythmias, seizures, anxiety and even death.
- Keep pets away from the front door, especially if they have anxiety issues or are territorial. Trick-or-treaters will be knocking and ringing the doorbell all night, so securing them in a quieter, safe place will lower their stress and yours. Plus, you’ll be opening and closing the door frequently, increasing the chance they could escape; make sure they have valid identification on their collars and microchips, so if they do get out, they can be returned home safely.
- Cats, particularly black cats, are often targeted on and around Halloween. Consider bringing your cat inside, especially at night, for the week around Halloween.
Have more questions about keeping your pet safe this Halloween? Call us at 503-227-6047!