Halloween is just around the corner. This can be a dangerous holiday for our furry friends! You’ll want to take some precautions to keep your beloved pet safe over the next few weeks. A local Bellaire, TX vet offers some safety tips below.

Keep Cats Indoors

Cars, weather, wild animals, chemicals, and, sadly, some people, all pose a risk to your feline friend in the Great Outdoors. Halloween is particularly dangerous, because of pranksters, extra traffic, and seasonal trappings.

Decorate Carefully

Never underestimate our furry pals’ ability to want to play with, well, everything. Anything small or sharp is a risk, as are items with plastic wraps and ties and anything with ropes or cords. Keep in mind that many animals are frightened of Halloween decorations. If Fido is terrified of that singing Frankenstein, limit his exposure to it.

Foliage

Many fall-blooming plants are unsafe for pets. This includes things like mushrooms and chrysanthemums, as well as many of the bulbed plants people put in at this time of year. Check the ASPCA site here for specifics.

Costumes

We know, Fido and Fluffy look adorable in outfits. However, always put your pet’s comfort and safety first. Don’t force your four-legged friend to wear costumes if they are clearly uneasy. If you do dress them, stick with things that were made specifically for pets. These are typically going to be much safer, as they won’t have zippers, buttons, or other parts that could choke or otherwise injure your buddy.

Candles/Fire

Pets and fires are a dangerous mix! Always keep candles and potpourri burners in high, secure spots. If you use a fireplace or firepit, use a grate to keep your furry buddy at a safe distance.

Minimize Stress

Are you hosting a Halloween party this year? Are you perhaps expecting a lot of trick or treaters? Some pets get very nervous when there’s a lot of commotion and chaos. Provide a comfy, quiet space for Fido and Fluffy to retreat to.

Food

Many of those sweet seasonal favorites are actually toxic to pets. Don’t let your furry pal have anything that contains chocolate, nuts, raisins, or xylitol. You’ll also want to be careful with hard candies and candy wrappers, as these can be choking hazards. Please reach out to us, your Bellaire, TX pet clinic, for all of your kitty’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!