Halloween Safety

Trick or Treat! Halloween is a fun time for families, especially when you involve the family pet in the costume designs! However, just as fun as it can be for everyone, it can also prove to be a very dangerous time for your pet when it comes to candy. 

Help ensure a safe Halloween for you and your pet by following these guidelines. 

1. Don't feed pets Halloween candy, especially if it contains chocolate or xylitol (a common sugar substitute found in sugar-free candies and gum).
2. Make sure your pet is properly identified (collar, ID tag, and microchip) just in case they make a dash out the door as you're distracted by trick-or-treaters.
3. If your pet is wary of strangers or tends to nip/bite, put them in separate room during trick-or-treating hours or provide him/her with a safe hiding place.
4. Ensure Jack-o-lanterns and lit candles stay out of reach of your pets. 
5. If you decide you want to put a costume on your pet, make sure of a few things including 
• Proper fit and comfort.
• It doesn’t have pieces that can easily be chewed off.
• doesn't interfere with your pet's breathing, hearing, sight, opening its mouth, or movement. 
• Get your pet accustomed to the costume before Halloween.
• NEVER leave your pet unsupervised while wearing a costume.
6. Glow sticks/ jewelry should be kept away from pets. The liquid in these products may be non-toxic, however the taste is very bad and can make pets salivate excessively and act strangely.

Have a Spooktacular and safe Halloween this year! 

How to Celebrate Halloween Safely with Your Pets

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Do you have your Halloween costumes ready for this weekend?   If you plan on dressing up your pet as part of the Halloween festivities, there are a few safety tips that you should keep in mind.

Costume Safety Tips:

• Watch for Signs of Stress - When you put a costume on your pet for Halloween, check to see if your pet looks impatient or annoyed.  If your pet is unhappy with the costume or appears stressed, take it off so that they can enjoy the day comfortably.
• Make Sure They Can Move Freely - Some pet costumes can limit movement.  Make sure that your pet is able to move freely, and that the costume doesn't inhibit their heating, sight, or ability to breathe.
• Keep ID Tags Displayed - Always make sure that your cat or dog is wearing proper identification.  If your pet is wearing a costume, make sure that you don't remove their tags.  Halloween is unfortunately a holiday where many cats and dogs can become confused with the doors opening and closing for trick-or-treaters.
• Beware of Choking Hazards - Many costumes have little parts that can cause issues if they become stuck.  Keep ribbons, frills and bows away from your pets and keep an eye out for potential choking hazards.

Check out this article for more costume safety tips.  You can also contact our offices with any questions you have about how to keep your pet healthy and safe this Halloween.  Reach one of our Brooklyn or Long Island offices below:

The Cat Hospital

877-228-4131

5th Avenue Cat Clinic

718-398-1187

Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital

718-782-8387

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Halloween Safety Hazards for Pets

 THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Are you ready to celebrate Halloween?  Celebrate safely by avoiding these top pet safety hazards!

Halloween Hazards:

• Candy Wrappers - Be sure to dispose of candy wrappers after you eat your sweets.  Pets may unknowingly ingest wrappers.  Keep an eye on your pets while eating candy this Halloween.  Candy and candy wrappers are the number one reason pets take an emergency trip to the vet!
• Chocolate - Chocolate contains ingredients that can harm your pet.  Chocolate poisoning signs include vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, tremors, seizures, and a racing heart.  If your pet exhibits any of these signs, contact our office immediately.
• Pumpkins - This festive decoration is relatively nontoxic, but if your pet does chew on a carved pumpkin, they may have an upset stomach.  Jack-o-lanterns pose an additional threat.  Keep curious kittens and puppies away from lit candle flames.
• Costumes - Have your pet try on the costume first.  Check to make sure that they can move easily, including wagging their tail!  You should also keep allergies in mind.  If you notice your pet starts scratching or is unhappy, take the costume off.
• Open Doors - Chances are the door will be opening and closing a lot as trick-or-treaters come to your home.  Make sure your pets are in a safe place where they can't dart outside into the dark.

Check out this article for more information on how to avoid these Halloween hazards and celebrate safely with your pets.  As always, you can contact our office if you have any questions about your pet's health!

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