10 C’s That Pets Should Avoid On Halloween

“Happy Halloween Day”, it’s time for you and your pets to have a happy and healthy Halloween; this would be only possible if your pet and you avoid the 10 C’s.

The 10 C’s your pet should avoid on Halloween:

      
1) Chocolate: This C is toxic for cats and dogs; they contain a   caffeine-like stimulant substance that could cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, racing pulse, and seizures when ingested by your pet. So make sure your children, guests and you keep chocolates away from pets.

2) Candies: Besides chocolates there are other type of sweets that could pose health risks to your pet cats and dogs; so keep all Halloween candies out of reach of your feline and canine companions. 

3) Candy wrappers: Empty candy wrappers made of foil and cellophane that smell like candy could also cause life threatening bowel obstruction requiring surgery when ingested. So advice your children to keep candy wrappers out of the reach of your pets. 

4) Candy and other goodies containing xylitol: This sugar substitute is found in products like sugar-free candy, gum, mints, and baked goods. Ingesting them would cause rapid and dangerous drop in blood sugar in dogs and also lead to acute liver failure. Though the effect of xylitol on cats is not known, still it is best to keep these products away from your feline companions also. 

5) Common Halloween non-candy treats: It is also important to keep non candy treats like raisins and trail handed by some people away from dogs and cats; raisins are not only toxic but could cause kidney failure even in small amounts. 

6) Candles: Candles including those inside the Jack ‘o lanterns and tables and shelves decorated with lit candles can prove to be fire hazards. Make sure your pet is kept away from such hazards.  

7) Commotion of the holiday: Most holidays including Halloween involve a bit of chaos and confusion and fun; even if the pet is excited by all the noise and excitement, ensure that your pet dogs and cats are removed from the action and tucked away in a safe and quiet place before the festivities begin. 

8) Complicated pet costumes: It is dangerous to dress your pet dogs and cats in elaborate costumes; do not dress him/her in costumes that may overheat, cause restriction in motion, hearing and vision as they may injure themselves frantically trying to take them off. Dress them in light weight costumes that are more comfortable for them. 

9) Choking and burning hazards: Most pet costumes come with buttons, bows and other small accessories that may be pulled out, choked and/swallowed. The same applies to glow sticks and jewelry that your pets especially cats could chew on and choke. They could present also present a burning hazard as the phenol inside leaks out.  

10) Callers at the door: Beware of trick-or-treaters in the neighborhood; your pet could escape through the open door or window either to escape or investigate activity. Constantly ringing doorbell, strange voices yelling "Trick or Treat," and people dressed up in scary costumes could produce anxiety, so it is best to keep your pet dogs and cats tucked away in a secure location.

Lastly Halloween is fun holiday when you take steps to make it safe also.