Keep Pets Safe This Halloween
Happy Halloween to everyone!
Our whole team truly enjoys Halloween as it portends the coming of fall and the larger festive season ahead. Of course, this magical time of year is most celebrated by children who are encouraged to don costumes of their favorite superheroes and collect tons of candy. Awesome!
As you prepare to head out the door with your family and friends, the team at Beach Veterinary Hospital just wanted to share a few thoughts on what you can do to help keep your pets safe this Halloween:
- So much candy! – Not surprising, your pets love these holiday treats as much as you and your little ones. Our team encourages you to please be mindful of where you store your candy before, during and after all the Halloween festivities. Pets often can ingest dangerous parts like chocolate, the wrappers and even sugar free candies. This can lead to gastroenteritis, pancreatitis and sometimes death. Play it safe and store it securely.
- Is sugar-free candy really that dangerous? We cannot reiterate enough the dangers of sugar-free candy. A majority of sugar-free candies contain an ingredient known as Xylitol, which is very toxic to dogs. Call your veterinarian or emergency veterinary hospital as soon as possible if you feel your pet may have ingested a sugar-free treat.
- Oh no! My pet ate some candy, what next? Some signs to be on the lookout for if your pet has gotten into candy are vomiting, diarrhea, excessive panting, tachycardia and lethargy. If you feel your pet may have gotten into candy, we highly encourage you to give us a call for guidance and next steps.
- Spooky creatures everywhere! –
There are many pets that do not enjoy all the Halloween activities. Kids in costume, loud noises, spooky decorations, etc. may cause extreme anxiety. For these pets, we encourage putting them in a safe, secluded and quiet area of the house. Perhaps even turn on some soothing music. This will not only help keep your anxiety-prone pet comfortable, but will keep them from potentially escaping from your home if frightened. As for the kitties, please do what you can to bring them inside. So many dangers await. - Fleeing from frights. – Is your pet’s microchip up-to-date? Your pet may be comfortable with all the ghost and goblins, but you never know when a sudden fright might separate you from your pet. Let’s make sure if your pet is lost that they can be easily reunited with you and your family. Make sure your pet is microchipped and it is up-to-date.
- Wait, that is not a real hot dog? – Halloween provides our pets with even more chances to ingest things they shouldn’t; including their very own costumes! Make sure your pet is wearing something they cannot tear apart or ingest (or just be aware) and it has ease of mobility.
At Beach Veterinary Hospital, we all hope you have an excellent Halloween filled with joy and many spooky shenanigans. If you need us, just give us a call at 206.722.3661.
About Us
Established in 1967, Beach Veterinary Hospital (formerly Rainier Beach Veterinary Hospital) offers quality, affordable veterinary care in Rainier Valley. The dedicated medical team is committed to the health and well-being of pets and will work with clients to develop a health plan tailored to suit pet’s needs throughout all stages of their life.
