Category: Safety

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Halloween Safety

Trick-or Treat! Halloween is here, and though you might get a kick out of the adorable witches and ghosts who come to your door, your dog may not be as thrilled. Halloween can be a fun time for children and families, but what about your dog?

Halloween is usually pretty loud and chaotic, much different from any other “normal” day of the year. Be aware that all those fun Halloween activities we enjoy might be stressful for your dog. Unusual activities like constant doorbell ringing and costumed visitors can all pose threats, causing your dog anxiety whether they are usually prone to it or not. Dogs are creatures of habit, and when their normal routine is interrupted they can feel uncomfortable and even agitated – Halloween is no exception. Keep your pets safe this year by following these easy tips.


1 – TRICK-OR-TREAT CANDY IS NOT FOR DOGS

ALL forms of chocolate can be dangerous, even lethal, for dogs. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning may include vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and seizures. There are also many candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol which is also poisonous to dogs; even small amounts of xylitol can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar and subsequent loss of coordination and seizures.

2 – DON’T LEAVE YOUR DOG OUT IN THE YARD

Vicious pranksters have been known to tease, injure, steal, and even kill pets on Halloween night. Inexcusable, yes! But preventable nonetheless.

3 – KEEP YOUR PUP CONFINED, BUSY AND AWAY FROM THE DOOR

Your door will be constantly opening and closing, and your doorbell with ringing constantly.  Strangers will also be on your doorstep dressed in unusual costumes, this can be scary for our furry friends, which can result in escape attempts or unexpected aggression. Putting your dog in a secure crate or room away from the front door will reduce stress and prevent issues. Give them a toy, chew, bone or activity to keep them busy during this time.

For nervous animals, the screams of kids and the endless chiming of doorbells can become overwhelming. You can use calming products like those you might use during a thunderstorm or fireworks to bring your dog some relaxation and relief during Halloween as well.

4 – KEEP HALLOWEEN PLANTS SUCH AS PUMPKINS AND CORN OUT OF REACH

Although pumpkin is a wonderful super-food for your pup, the potentially moldy Halloween pumpkins or corn display that has been sitting out can cause big problems. Gastrointestinal upset is a possibility whenever pets eat something they aren’t used to, and intestinal blockage can occur if large pieces are swallowed. So, keep the pumpkins and corn away from your pups.

5 – KEEP YOUR DOG AWAY FROM LIT PUMPKINS

If you are using candles to light your jack-o-lanterns or other Halloween decorations, be sure to place them well out of reach. Should your dog get too close, they run the risk of burning themselves or causing a fire.

6 – KEEP ELECTRIC AND BATTERY-POWERED DECORATIONS OUT OF REACH

As with any holiday decorations, electric and battery-powered decorations are certainly safer than candles, but they still can present a risk. Dogs who chew on electrical cords can receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock or burn. Batteries can cause chemical burns when chewed open or gastrointestinal blockage if swallowed. Glass or plastic if chewed and swallowed can cause lacerations anywhere on the body and within the gastrointestinal tract.

7 – DON’T DRESS YOUR PET UP UNLESS YOU ARE CERTAIN THEY’LL LOVE IT

Not all dogs are comfortable wearing costumes. If you do decide to dress up your pup, make sure the costume does not restrict movement, hearing, eyesight, or the ability to breathe. Always supervise your dog while they are wearing a costume so that if something goes wrong, it can be addressed immediately.

Additionally, don’t wait until Halloween night to put your pet in a costume for the first time. Any time you introduce your pup to something new, it’s best to go slow. Get your costume early, and put them on for short periods of time and make it a positive experience by offering lots of praise and treats.

8 – PLEASE! MAKE SURE YOUR DOG IS WEARING AN ID

If your dog could escape and become lost, having the proper identification will increase the chances that he or she will be returned. Collars and tags are ideal if a Good Samaritan finds your pup, but microchips offer a permanent identification should the collar or tag fall off. Please be sure the information is up-to-date.

Halloween can be a little intimidating for a dog who doesn’t understand all the hoopla. When it comes to your furry friend, be mindful of where you put the chocolate, exercise him early to drain his energy, and reward him with dog-safe treats when he is non-reactive to trick-or-treaters. Above all else, Halloween should be fun for the whole family including your furry friends. Keep these tips in mind during your festivities to ensure everyone stays safe and have a wonderful time.

Happy Halloween! 

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Summer Pet Safety

As temperatures soar into the triple digits, it’s imperative we keep our pets cool and safe. Here are some hot weather safety tips to help you do just that!

Leave pets at home. Dogs cool themselves by panting which precipitates convection meaning their panting exchanges warm body temperature for cooler air outside. If the outside air isn’t significantly cooler than their body temp, their cooling system doesn’t work and they can get heat stroke.

Studies show that on a 75 degree day, temps inside a car (with windows cracked) can rise to 100 degrees in 10 minutes. Temps in dark-colored cars can rise even more, reaching temps of 200 degrees!

Keep plenty of fresh water accessible in deep bowls. All that heavy breathing takes a toll and dogs lose body moisture much faster than humans, so they should always have access to fresh, cool water. Deep bowls of cool water will stay chilled longer than shallow bowls, and you can also add ice to prolong the chill.

Avoid burnt paws. If the pavement is too hot for your bare feet, well guess what — it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. Always check the pavement before bringing your dog outside. If you can’t avoid walking your dog across hot pavement, invest in a product that protects your pups feet.

*Exercise early in the morning or late at night when the sun’s intensity is less. Even then, watch for signs of heat stress, some of which can include: excessive panting, increased salivation, glassy eyes, and pale gums.

To keep bored dogs occupied during the day, try making a “pupsicle”. It will help keep your dog cool and occupied for hours. Please check out the Frozen Goodies in the Recipe section of our website for some delicious and nutritious treats!

Do you suspect heat stroke? If you think your pet has overheated, place cool (not ice-cold, as this can do more harm), wet wash cloths on his head and neck, and cool compresses on his belly and under his back legs. Call your vet’s office immediately and seek their advice about next steps. Heat stroke can quickly lead to coma, cardiac arrest, or even death, so don’t hesitate to seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.

Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds may have a harder time cooling themselves in hot weather. Owners of flat-faced breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers, Pekingese etc., should keep exercise to a minimum and take extra care to keep their dogs cool.

These summer safety tips apply to dogs in general, but no one knows your dog better than you. Summer is a terrific time to be a dog owner. It lets you run, swim, and play with your dog in nicer weather than any other time of the year. However, summer also brings unique risks to your dog’s health that you should keep in mind throughout the season.