Keep Your Texas Pets Safe This Halloween With These Essential Tips
Halloween is quickly approaching in Texas, which means it could be a pretty wicked experience for your pet. So, it's a good idea to be prepared for all the activities that may be happening in your neighborhood that could cause some issues.
As a pet owner myself, it's always a bitter-sweet type of night when it comes to Halloween. I love the holiday, but I also know that my boxer is going to have a ...ahem, a 'ruff' night.
Whether it's Halloween decorations on someone's house as you walk your dog, or if it's little "ghosts" and "goblins" knocking on your door for candy, it can really be a spooky situation for your pet. So, with the help of the American Veterinary Medical Association, here are some safety tips to help you and your pet cope with the thrills and chills of Halloween.
Keep your pets indoors.
This will help protect your pet from getting spooked or run off chasing an unsuspecting trick or treater. Keep them inside and they won't have a chance to get scared and bail on you.
Do not feed them candy.
This should be a given. If your dog is like mine, they will eat anything that comes near their muzzle. Trust me when I say this, they will find a way to get to your candy stash if it's within reach. You especially don't want to feed them chocolate. Keep that candy bowl put up so your pet can't get to the sweet stuff. If they do happen to destroy some Snickers or other kinds of candy, take them to the vet immediately.
Distract your dog.
No, don't distract them with a squirrel. Hook your furry friend up with a long-lasting chew toy or a bone to distract them from all the kiddos coming to your door for some candy. They get a treat, and you get a little peace of mind. Everybody wins.
Keep candles and other Halloween props up high.
All it takes is a wagging tail or a kitty going bonkers to knock over a candle and start a fire. Make sure to keep candles and jack-o-lanterns up high so your pet doesn't have a chance to reach them.
Walk your dog before the festivities start.
Walking your dog lets them let off some energy. So, if you walk them well before the trick or treaters hit your house, they will be a bit more chill when the kiddos come to take all of your candy.
Create a safe room for your pet.
One thing that has always helped my pets in the past, is putting them in a room with their favorite toys, playing some music, or turning the TV on. Make sure the room is not next to the front door and you should be good to go.
Make sure your pet has an I.D. on their collar.
Sometimes you can do everything to make sure your pet doesn't escape, but once that door opens up, all bets are off. They will dart out that door in a flash if they see an opening to escape, especially when they are scared. So, be sure their tags are up to date with a good phone number and address just in case they try to run off.
These tips should help in making sure that your pet stays safe this Halloween. Also, it's worth noting that if you happen to put a costume on your pet, make sure it doesn't restrict them from breathing properly or moving around naturally. Avoid putting anything on their ears, mouth, or nose.
Hope you and your pets have a safe Halloween.
BOO: Nightmare on 19th Street in Lubbock
Gallery Credit: Chaz