10/23/08 Bend
 
Halloween Safety.
 
Below are some safety tips to follow to 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 include diarrhea, vomiting, heart arrhythmias, heart attacks, and seizures which can be fatal. Keep all bakers chocolate and cocoa on the upper shelves and out of reach of your pets. Teas, colas and coffee are toxic as well but most pets do not find these appetizing. Cocoa mulch is popular mulch that contains theobromine. Make sure you check labels before buying mulch at your garden or home improvement stores and avoid them picking up mulch on your walks. There have been many fatalities nationwide from cocoa mulch poisonings. Dogs have sweet receptors and are attracted to chocolate.
• 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 up high and put 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 chunks they can choke. Actually pureed pumpkin in small amounts is good for dogs because of the fiber content. Pumpkins with lit candles can get tipped over by dogs or cats causing a fire.
• 5. Dressing your dog up for Halloween can is fun as long as your dog tolerates being dressed up. Make sure to supervise them so they don't get injured trying to take the costume off or try to eat it.
• 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. If they are at the door they should be on leash to prevent them from darting out. Make sure they greet the trick-or- treaters with manners and are calm and polite. If they are not they should not be at the door. Again, make sure to supervise the bowl of candy by the door, or keep it up high.

 
Happy Halloween and stay safe!
 
Meredith Gage
Pawsitive Experience