Halloween Safety

Below are some safety tips to help keep your pets safe at Halloween.

1.Chocolate in all forms is dangerous for your pets. Chocolate contains theobromine and dogs, cats, birds and horses do not metabolize it well and it becomes a toxin. Symptoms in dogs include diarrhea, vomiting, heart arrhythmia. It can lead to fatal heart attacks or seizures. Keep all bakers chocolate and cocoa on the upper shelves and out of reach of your pets. Less than 1 oz. of baker's chocolate can be fatal depending on your pet's weight and metabolism. Teas, colas and coffee are also toxic but most pets don't find these appetizing. Dogs do like chocolate and cocoa, though.

2.Candy containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can be fatal causing a sudden drop in blood sugar. Liver damage can also occur.

3.Keep all candies securely stashed away. Supervise the bowl of candy you have out for trick-or-treaters.

4.Keep pumpkins away from your dog and cat. Although pumpkin in itself is not toxic if they eat big pieces, they can choke or get obstructed. pureed pumpkin in small amounts is actually good for dogs because of the fiber content.

5.Dressing your dog up for Halloween is OK as long as your dog tolerates it. Make sure to supervise them so they don't get injured trying to get out of costume.

6.All but the most social dogs should be kept away from the front door at Halloween. Dogs don't understand there are young humans on the other side of these costumes and your dog may lung or bark at them. The best thing is to put them behind a closed door or gate with a safe chew toy or Kong toy.

Have a safe and happy Halloween!

Meredith Gage

Pawsitive Experience

541-318-8459

Trainingdogs123@bendbroadband.com

http://www.PawsitiveExperience.com