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HOWL–O–WEEN VI |
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I KNOW WHO
YOU PETTED LAST SUMMER |
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to Dean Vickers' pet tips
As we head full force into another Halloween season, as pet
owners or caretakers, it is important that we pay special
attention to our companions to ensure that they also enjoy the
festivities surrounding All Hollow’s Eve. A little pre-planning
combined with a little common sense will go a long way in
keeping your pets safe and their stress levels at a minimum.
Although many cities currently have anti-panhandling
ordinances, Halloween is the one time of year when it is
allowed: provided you are in costume and you are seeking to
collect candy from strangers. Keep a close eye not only on the
candy you are distributing but also the candy that is coming
into your home. Obviously only accept candy from people you
trust and never eat anything that is not in a wrapper, but for
your pets, candy can be deadly. Chocolate can be very dangerous
for dogs and cats, and candy wrappers, particularly foil and
cellophane can be hazardous if swallowed. If you suspect your
pet has ingested a potentially dangerous substance, please call
your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at
(888) 426-4435.
The most traditional of Halloween decorations is the Jack O
Lantern. Nothing conjures up the spirit of the season quite like
the yellow glow emanating from inside the hollowed out gourd.
Although relatively non-toxic to pets, eating pumpkins can upset
the gastrointestinal tract. Intestinal blockage could even occur
if large pieces are ingested. So as you lobotomize your pumpkin,
be cognoscente of where his insides land. Festive or frightening
as the end result may be, be careful where you display your
masterpiece, especially if you are using a candle as your source
of light. Pets can easily knock over a lit jack o lantern and
cause a fire. Curious kittens or puppies run a greater risk of
getting burned or singed by the candle flames.
As an alternative to a light candle, using electric lights is
a better alternative to bring life to your jack o lantern. But
even here, keep wires and cords from electric lights and other
decorations out of your pets reach. If chewed, your pet could
experience damage to his mouth from shards of glass or plastic,
or receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock.
Although I have certainly done my share of dressing up my
pets for the Halloween festivities: Ike and Tina Turner, Elvis
and Jimi Hendrix, I would also caution you when doing so. Not
every pet enjoys donning a costume, no matter how adorable you
think they look. Forcing them to wear something they are not
comfortable in, may cause undo stress.
If you and your pet agree that a costume is in order, make
sure the costume isn't annoying or unsafe. It should not
constrict your pet’s movement or hearing, or impede his ability
to breathe or bark. Keep a look out for small, dangling, or
easily chewed-off pieces on the costume that your pet could
choke on. Also make sure the costume does not obstruct your
pet’s vision in any way. The chance of fear biting will increase
if your pet can not see well.
It is also a good idea to keep all but the most social dogs
and cats in a separate room during peak trick-or-treat visiting
hours. Constant knocks and doorbell, followed by the joyous
shrieking of “Trick or Treat!” can be very stressful on pets, as
well as their caregivers. It could cause your pet to panic or
display other uncharacteristic behaviors. In addition,
repeatedly opening and closing the door could allow your pet to
dart outside, possibly undetected amid all the commotion.
Above all, make certain that your dog or cat has proper
identification. If for any reason your pet escapes and become
lost, a collar and tags and/or a microchip increase the chances
that he or she will be returned to you.
As a final note to keep the our wildlife neighbors safe, use
fake cobwebs sparingly as smaller animals, particularly birds
could become entangled in the webbing. Remove any decorations an
animal could get their head into; such as plastic pumpkins or
skulls. These are attractive to wildlife such as deer or
raccoons who may think there is food inside and end up stuck on
their heads endangering their lives. Nocturnal animal such as
raccoons, opossums and foxes venture out for food at night and
Halloween night is no exception. Remember that wild animals are
just that – wild – so never approach one.
Have fun and have a festive and happy Halloween.
| written by Dean Vickers |
| Dean Vickers is the Ohio State Director
for The Humane Society of the United States.
He can be reached at
dvickers@hsus.org or by calling
614-607-7139. |
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