Happy Halloween from Columbus Humane! As you enjoy the festivities this season, here are some Tricks and Treats to ensure your pets stay safe.
Tricks
Halloween Decorations
Many Halloween decorations can pose a danger to your pets if they chew or ingest them. Items like fake spider webs, plastic pumpkins, and glow sticks can be enticing playthings for your furry friends. Watch your pets to make sure plastic and other hazardous materials are not ingested this time of year.
Candy
Sharing your favorite treats with your four-legged companions can be tempting, but many candies can be harmful. Chocolate, Coffee, and THC are very toxic to pets if ingested. It’s best to reserve human candy for humans and have some pet-friendly treats ready for your furry pal.
Costumes
While dressing up can be a blast for us, our pets might not share the same enthusiasm for Halloween costumes. Columbus Humane advises against putting costumes on your pets and suggests keeping them at home during trick-or-treating. Costumes can be frightening and stressful for animals. If you can't resist dressing them up, ensure the costume fits well and doesn’t obstruct their vision, breathing or movement.
Treats
Pet-Safe Treats
Instead of candy, consider a fall favorite that’s safe for pets: pumpkin! You can involve your pets in the festivities by purchasing or making pumpkin-flavored treats.
Calm Your Pet
The Halloween hustle and bustle can lead to increased anxiety for even indoor pets, thanks to the influx of visitors and unusual costumes. Create a quiet, comfortable, and safe space in your home where your pet can retreat when needed. Provide some engaging activities to help keep them occupied. Don’t hesitate to consult your veterinarian for additional tips on creating a soothing environment for your pet.
ID Your Pet
This time of year, shelters often see a rise in lost pets. With all the excitement, it’s easy to lose sight of your furry friend. To help ensure a swift reunion if your pet goes missing, make sure they’re wearing proper identification with current contact information.
Remember to enjoy the festivities!
