Although this column is listed as a “Kitty Post”, this article is important for families with cats AND/OR dogs.
Halloween is a night of fun for many kids (and kids at heart). Here are a few things to think about in order to keep your pets safe.
1. Make sure that all indoor/outdoor cats spend the night inside. They might not be happy but they will be safe.
2. Keep the treats out of reach of even the most determined dog or cat. Consider a cabinet or pantry rather than just a high shelf. A determined cat or dog can get to just about anything that smells good! While all of the sugar can give a child a stomach ache or cavities down the road, it can cause serious issues for cats and dogs. Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, can cause very serious problems for pets. Caffeine and Theobromine are stimulants and can impact the nervous system and heart. Anything that is sugar free that contains xylitol can be toxic to dogs. Even small amounts of this can cause seizures, liver failure, and/or death.
3. Halloween brings a lot of activity at the front door. The regularly ringing doorbell and opening and closing the door can cause stress to our pets. It can also provide an opportunity for them to run out the door. People in costumes can also be confusing and frightening to our pets. The best way to keep our pets safe is to secure them in a room away from the front door. If a dog is used to a crate, this is a secure and familiar place for them to spend the evening. Putting a radio or TV on in the room where they are going to be housed can also block out some of the sounds.
4. If your dog needs to go outside during “trick or treat” hours, walk them on a leash in your backyard even if it is completely fenced and make sure that he/she wears their flat collar with ID tag.
5. If you want to dress your pet up for Halloween, please be sensitive to how your pet reacts. While we might think it cute, many dogs and cats can be stressed out by clothes. Any clothing/costume must not limit his/her ability to breath, see, or move. In addition, be on the lookout for any small pieces that might become choking hazards. Constantly monitor costumes on your pet the same way that you would on a small child.
Halloween can be an evening/season of fun for everyone as long as we do a little preparation to keep our pets safe.
Finally, don’t forget about our upcoming Event: Beltsville Community Cats and the EUMC Women of Faith are hosting a INDOOR Yard Sale on Saturday, October 19th (10 am to 2 pm) at Emmanuel United Methodist Church (EUMC), 11416 Cedar Lane, Beltsville, MD 20705. Park behind the church.
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