Avoid pet care scares this Halloween
HALLOWEEN is fast approaching and nowadays the spook fest is no longer just for humans; man’s best friend and furry felines have joined the festivity as well. Despite the celebrations being limited to the indoors (often as virtual celebrations) this year, many pet owners will not miss out on the opportunity to dress their four-legged companions in colorful, whimsical, and scary costumes. But owners must be cautious of the dangers that lurk during the Halloween season.
The Pet Food Institute (PFI) shares tips on how pet owners ensure their pet’s safety during the Halloween season.
• Poisons of Halloween. Halloween is known as the candy holiday around the world, which means owners should be on the lookout for sugary treats that can be dangerous for dogs and cats. Chocolate can be toxic to pets and, even lethal in rare circumstances. In addition, Halloween candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can also be poisonous to pets. Pets may experience increased heart rate, rapid breathing, diarrhea or vomiting.
• Monsters of Halloween. Nowadays, it is common to see dogs and cats clad in creative and spooky costumes during Halloween. But a fair warning to pet parents: they should be careful and selective in which costumes to put on their pets because some of these costumes may cause them harm. Some costumes contain beads or other small plastic pieces that may cause choking and block their pet’s digestive tract which may lead to more serious health problems such as decrease in blood flow in the bowel. It’s also important to avoid costumes that restrict a pet’s movement or restricts their breathing.
• Dangers Lurking Around Halloween. Pet owners must be vigilant of all the things that can harm their animals. Many can protect their pets from pet-unfriendly treats and costumes but forget the dangers that lurk around their homes. Halloween decorations are a common hazard for pets. For example, candles can be a greater hazard when pets are around who can more easily knock them over. Fake battery-operated candles had been made available in the market to ensure a fire-free and pet-safe holiday.
• PFI, through its local initiative, Well-Fed, Well-Nurtured campaign in partnership with the Veterinary Practitioners Association of the Philippines, advocates for responsible pet ownership.
