Lisa Chelenza knows that not everyone in your family walks on two legs. For helpful tips on taking care of your animal friends, and advice from local veterinary experts, watch Pet Pointers Wednesday and Saturday on YNN. If you have ideas for Pet Pointers segments, email Lisa at petpointers@twcny.rr.com.
Pet Pointers: Halloween pet safety
Halloween can be full of fun and excitement for the entire family, including our pets, but it’s also important to have fun safely. In this edition of Pet Pointers, Lisa Chelenza has a few Halloween safety tips for your pets.
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Curious-by-nature cats will investigate a variety of movements, including the flicker of a candle flame within a jack-o-lantern. To avoid a singed whisker or starting a house fire, swap candles for battery operated tea lights or try fun LED lit lanterns as an alternative Halloween decoration.
Candy is of course a no-no for cats and dogs. Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, is very bad for pets. If eaten, it can cause stomach upset, rapid heartbeat and possible seizures. Candy wrappers are a choking hazard and can cause a blockage in the intestine that needs to be surgically removed.
Masks and costumes on people can be frightening for some dogs. If your dog is agitated by these do not tease or frighten them, you will only help to reinforce a negative impression on your dog.
Costumes for pets should fit properly and not block your pet’s vision or cause them to trip or become tangled up.
If your dog pulls or jumps while on leash and you have difficulty walking your dog, Halloween night is not the time to get more practice. There will be far too many distractions and it could be potentially dangerous for you, your dog and trick-or-treaters.
Remember, not all dogs like visitors or a lot of stress and many would prefer to stay in a quiet room with a favorite toy and sleep, so allow them to walk away if they choose.