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 Halloween Hazards

by Julaine Hunter, DVM
What could be better than an evening spent traipsing around the neighborhood dressed as your favorite superhero, fantasy character or your little brother’s worst nightmare personified?  An annual event designed to be full of imaginative fun celebrating the wonder and magic of childhood, Halloween can be a stressful and even dangerous time of the year for some.  

Those with young children can empathize with the anxiety and fear some pets experience when the front door opens to reveal an otherworldly alien or ghoulish demon.  Some pets faced with such a visitor turn tail and head for the comfort and security of another room.  Others, always on the lookout for a chance to venture into the great outdoors, may take this opportunity to ‘make a break for it.’  Or worse yet, usually gentle Ben may decide that his family needs protection from the three-year old in the Dora mask who’s gingerly holding out her jack-o-lantern in excited anticipation for her first Halloween candy, not an unexpected trip to the emergency room for treatment of a bite wound.  By taking a few precautions, Halloween can be a fun and safe celebration for every member of the family:



Make sure all pets are wearing identification in case of accidental escape.


If you haven’t yet, consider microchipping  your pet in the event of accidental escape.  This easy, outpatient procedure has dramatically increased the likelihood of a happy family reunion for lost pets.



Provide pets with a safe haven indoors and away from Halloween activities and ‘trick or treaters.’ Tasty treats are often left unattended as party guests move from room to room providing a veritable smorgasbord of scrumptious sweets ripe for sampling.  Such dietary indiscretions can have severe consequences. 


1. Candles are especially dangerous as flames can quickly singe, burn or set fire to pets’ fur.
 
2. Liquid potpourris provide delightful, seasonal aromas whose oils can be extremely irritating if ingested or exposed to pet skin.  Dermal exposure can readily lead to oral ingestion during grooming.


3. Ingestion of decorations or costume materials can lead to choking and/or foreign body problems.  


4. Candy and candy wrappers can be exceedingly harmful to pets.


Pets are best left to their own furry accoutrements; however, if unable to resist the urge to costume your pet, please take the following precautions:


1. Costumes should not restrict movement, hearing, or the ability to breath or bark.


2. Make sure material is not flowing as it can pose a tripping hazard.


3. Vision should not be obstructed.  Even the gentlest of pets can become fearful and act    uncharacteristically if unable to see.


4. Monitor closely and ensure it does not ingest parts of its outfit.


Animal cruelty and human violence incidents are often linked.  Restrict all pets to the indoors, especially outdoor cats, to protect individuals potentially at risk from pranks or other acts of cruelty.
Together we can keep this the fun festival it’s meant to be.  I hope to see you out there.

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