Tips For Keeping Fido Safe At Halloween

Autumn is a beautiful time of year. As the temperatures drop and the leaves change color, many of our furry friends get a bit zoomy. You can’t blame our canine buddies for kicking up their heels a bit: they get to run and play without overheating. However, there are some seasonal dangers you’ll need to be aware of. Read on as a local Savage, MN vet offers some advice on keeping your four-legged friend safe over the next few months.

Decorate Carefully

Dogs are very playful, which is one of their most adorable and endearing traits. However, Fido doesn’t know what is and isn’t safe for him. Keep anything small or sharp out of paws’ reach. You’ll also need to be cautious about anything ropy or stringy. That includes things like ribbons, garlands, string lights, and fake spiderwebs. Items that are sharp and/or breakable are also unsafe, as is anything made of softer plastics, anything with batteries, and anything that could be toxic. Candles and fires are also a concern, as are many seasonal plants, such as mums. Ask your vet for specific advice.

Be Cautious With Treats

Fido is always very, very interested in treats, no matter what time of year it is. Keep those candies in spots your pet can’t get to them. Not only do many contain things like chocolate, nuts, and raisins, which are all toxic to our furry pals, the wrappers are also serious choking hazards. Smaller candies are also dangerous for this reason. That said, if you want to get that cute tail going, get him some seasonal treats, such as pumpkin-flavored dog biscuits.

Keep Your Pup Contained

Our canine pals definitely have a knack for getting into mischief. Keep Fido on a leash any time you take him off your property. If you live in an area where there is a lot of pedestrian traffic, we recommend keeping your pet indoors as much as possible around Halloween. This is a prime time of year for mischief. Plus, dogs can get scared and/or aggravated at people in costumes. If you get trick or treaters, keep your furry friend in a quiet back room on Halloween night. Many dogs can get quite worked up by a steady stream of visitors in strange costumes!

Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions about your pet’s health or care. As your local Savage, MN animal clinic, we’re always here to help.