Halloween is just around the corner! While this year’s celebrations may be toned down a bit, due to the coronavirus, there will still be ways to celebrate the autumn holiday. This can be a dangerous time of year for pets, though, so you’ll want to take some precautions to keep your furry buddy safe. An Eau Claire, WI veterinarian offers some tips on keeping Fido safe this Halloween below. 

Costume

It can be quite tempting to want to dress up your canine buddy. Fido makes an adorable pirate! (He’s also a pretty cute taco, spider, and dinosaur.) Make sure your furry friend’s outfit fits him comfortably, and is not tight, hot, itchy, or restricting. Avoid items with zippers, dangling threads, or small parts, like buttons, that he may try to eat. We recommend opting for things made by pet stores, as these are designed with dogs’ comfort and safety in mind. 

Candy

Dogs are very opportunistic eaters, and will often gobble up anything in reach. This can be a dangerous habit! Much of that popular Halloween candy contains things that are toxic to Fido, such as chocolate, nuts, raisins, and xylitol. Our canine pals can also choke on smaller candies or candy wrappers. Make sure to keep those sweets somewhere your pup can’t reach them.

Decorations

Keep Fido in mind when putting up decorations. Anything small or sharp is a choking hazard, while things like foam tombstones and fake spiderwebs can cause serious internal issues if swallowed. (It’s probably best to keep that mechanical screaming zombie away from your pooch as well.) 

Trick-Or-Treaters

There’s usually an uptick in traffic around Halloween. Be prepared to meet more people than usual on roads and sidewalks. If Fido has a yard to chase squirrels around in, limit his outdoor time that week. People going by in costumes could frighten or antagonize your furry pal. You also don’t want to risk someone giving something that isn’t safe for him. 

Visitors

Many dogs dutifully alert their humans when there is someone at the door. This can get a bit much for Fido on Halloween. Consider putting the pup in a quiet back room with bedding, food, toys, and treats, and turning a TV or radio on. 

Please do not hesitate to contact us if ever we can be of assistance. As your Eau Claire, WI, pet hospital, we’re here to help!