I’m a dog trainer —?here’s how to keep your pets safe on Halloween
Howl-oween is here.
A pet expert is warning humans about the innocent ways we may be placing fur family members in harms way on the spookiest night of the year.
From treats to decorations to adorable doggo costumes, the things we love the most about the holiday could pose a risk to our four-legged friends.
“Given the chance, many dogs will eat just about anything — and Halloween offers plenty of tempting treats: candles, decorations, costumes, and endless piles of candy,” said Annie-Mae Levy of Woofz, a dog training app.
“However, the wrong snack can turn a fun night into a frantic vet visit,” she warned.
Levy begins with the more obvious one of the bunch — chocolate, which can be fatal to dogs.
Even in lesser cases, chocolate can bring on breathing issues, seizures, and stomach pains for pups, according to the expert.
“To keep your dog safe, keep chocolate out of reach, educate your children on the dangers of sharing with pets, and keep a close eye on them while they enjoy the spoils of trick-or-treating,” she said.
There are also more subtle edible bites to keep in mind, such as sugar-free candy which typically contains the sweetener xylitol.
Calling it “a nightmare ingredient for dog owners,” Levy said ingesting even a small amount can cause your pet’s blood sugar levels to drop rapidly, leading to lethargy, instability, seizures, and even death.”
“To avoid the worst, check the label, put harmful treats out of reach, and remind your family members to be mindful.”
Regarding home decor, decorative corn can become a doggie choking hazard too.
Even worse, Levy said it “can block intestines if ingested.”
Scented candles can also become irritating to dogs’ respiratory systems — not to mention, having an open flame in the house presents a risk when rambunctious pets are on the loose.
The trainer also advises against putting out fake spider webs as it is easy for pets to become entangled with and potentially eaten.
“Artificial fibers aren’t easily digested, so intestinal blockages are a real worry,” she said.
“If your furry friend is too fearless for their own good, stick to paper decorations that won’t put them in harm’s way.”
Lastly, glow sticks, despite how safe they may seem, can also be an unwanted trick this year for doggies.
“While generally non-toxic, chewing on one can still cause drooling, vomiting, and mouth and stomach irritation,” Levy added.
“To avoid any accidents, put temptation out of your pet’s reach.”
