If you and your pet are inseparable, Halloween is an opportunity to create special memories together. At Chico, we encourage you to prioritize safety so that your celebrations go smoothly. Here are a few tips for a safe Halloween with your furry friend.
Costumes
Do you want to dress up your pet so you can take pictures to post on social media? Choose a comfortable costume that’s neither too tight nor too baggy. You should also avoid stretchy or elastic materials, as these can cut off circulation to the legs and around the neck.
In addition, be careful about tiny accessories and strings. These can easily become a choking hazard if your pet chews on them. Finally, make sure your pet’s vision isn’t obstructed by a mask, wig or hat. They also need to be able to move around freely without tripping.
If you’ve chosen an adorable costume but your pet seems distressed while wearing it, go with plan B to avoid tormenting your furry friend.
Outings
If you want to walk around your neighbourhood with your dog on Halloween night, keep in mind that you’ll be surrounded by little witches, vampires, ghosts and superheroes. Be sure to use a sturdy collar and harness, and keep your pooch on a short leash.
You should also watch for signs that your pup is feeling anxious during the walk. If your dog refuses to budge, pulls violently on the leash, whines or growls, return home immediately to prevent an incident.
Candy
Halloween is synonymous with candy, but many sweet treats are dangerous and potentially fatal for pets, especially if they contain a sugar-substitute called xylitol. Keep a close eye on your furry friend, and make sure they don’t get into the Halloween candy. This includes empty chocolate and candy wrappers, which are a choking hazard. Call your veterinarian right away if you see or suspect that your dog or cat has eaten candy.
Lost pets
Even if you stay home, there’s a higher risk of your pet getting lost on Halloween. In large part, this is because you’ll likely open the front door hundreds of times and be distracted by groups of trick-or-treaters in flashy costumes. If your pet doesn’t have a microchip or wear an ID tag, now’s the time to change that.
At Chico, we care about the health and well-being of your pets. If you want to make Halloween extra special for your furry friend, pick up a bag of healthy, tasty treats at any of our locations.