Archive for month: September, 2019

Holidays and special occasions can be stressful and dangerous for your pet! There are a few precautions you should follow to keep your dog safe and healthy as Halloween approaches. As more homes display Halloween decorations on cords and wires you may want to consider leaving your canine companion at home during trick-or-treating. If you choose to bring them with you, ensure you keep them safely beside you on a leash.

One Chocolate Won’t Hurt or Will It?

• All chocolate is a danger to your pet. The toxicity level is dependent on the amount consumed and the sweetener used. The artificial sweetener, Xylitol, is poisonous to dogs.
• Have a safe place to store Halloween candy and chocolate well away from where your pet can reach them.
• It’s not just chocolate you should be worried about. Sucker sticks, wrappers, fats, nuts, nut butters, and foil are all dangerous!
• If you suspect your dog has eaten too many Halloween candies, contact the Pet Poison Control Center or your Veterinarian immediately.

My Dog Loves Going for Walks, but Is Halloween a Safe Time?

• Most lit Jack-O-Lanterns are either on a low support or on ground level. Keep your pet’s wagging tail away from candle flames!
• Children will be running from house to house, so if you have a dog that loves to chase or spooks easily keep him/her on a leash.
• The best time to walk your dog is well before dinner; long before the ghosts and ghouls are gliding your streets.
• Fireworks startle dogs and they run for safety. If you have your dog with you, the best idea is to walk your dog on a leash and keep it close to you.
• Don’t leave your pets outside in the yard on Halloween! Unfortunately, there are documented cases of animal cruelty on or around October 31^st.

I Love Halloween Costumes, so Does My Dog!

• You may think your pets love costumes, but do they? Flowing costumes, bright flashy costumes, and goodie bags may overwhelm your pet. The sights, sounds, and movements of Halloween can cause stress and anxiety for an already nervous dog.
• If your dog does indeed love costumes then find one that doesn’t restrict movement, breathing, sight, or hearing. Have your pet wear the costume before Halloween for short periods at a time to become used to it. Never leave your pet unattended in a costume!

I Decorate My House like a Haunted House!

• Decorations look fantastic any time of year, but they also bring along hazards! All decorations with cords, candles, cables, and cobwebs should be well out of reach of your pet.
• If your dog runs for cover every time a motion decoration squeals and shakes, put it out in the yard.
• Place a battery operated light in the Jack-O-Lantern instead of a candle.
• Keep in mind that pumpkins and gourds will cause gastric upset if your dog ingests them.

My Dog Loves to Run to the Door at Every Knock!

• With every knock or ring of the doorbell by an excited trick-or-treater, you will be fighting over foot-space with your canine as you both bolt for the door. It is advisable to have a safe room or crate to keep your pet in while kids are coming to your door. Leave a tasty dog bone or safe toy with your dog while he/she is alone.
• Set up a baby or pet gate to keep your pet safely out of range of the door. Small children may be frightened by your dog rushing to greet them.
• If your dog loves to bark every time a trick-or-treater arrives, you might get cranky with them. Keeping them in a closed room benefits you both!

If you feel your pet has lost out on all the fun Halloween brings, have a stash of Pet-friendly treats on hand.

Make an appointment with one of our certified Pet City Canada groomers and have your dog washed and groomed before the festivities start. Have a safe and happy Halloween!