As Halloween is creeping closer, of course, we want to include our furry family members in all of the spooky fun! Keeping your pets safe doesn’t have to be tricky. Consider these Halloween safety tips for your pets that Bark Avenue Daycamp, your doggie daycare specialist, recommends you follow.
Is Chocolate Really Bad for Dogs?
We’ve all heard that chocolate is bad for dogs, but is it really true? Yes! What many consider to be the chocolate myth is indeed real and should be taken seriously. Chocolate contains theobromine, a substance that can be poisonous to dogs. The darker the chocolate, the more theobromine it contains. Hyper-excitability and anxiousness, seizures, abnormal heart rhythms, rapid breathing, vomiting, and diarrhea are all signs that your pet may have eaten chocolate. Sugar-free candies and baked goods containing the substitute xylitol can cause serious problems as well. If ingested, it can cause low blood sugar and can injure the liver if consumed in large amounts. Call your veterinarian immediately if you believe your dog ingested something harmful.
Be Aware of Candy Wrappers
When gobbling down candy, your dog will surely eat the wrappers along with it. Even dogs who have gone through dog training will be tempted to eat shiny, crinkly new “treats” that are not meant for your pup. This is a huge hazard, as they can get stuck in the digestive tract and cause a life-threatening intestinal blockage. Signs of an intestinal blockage include vomiting, diarrhea, straining to defecate, refusal to eat, lethargy, and pain when touched. It is best to keep all candy up on high surfaces out of reach from your furry friends. Remind your tricker-or-treaters to be responsible with their candy wrappers, making sure they end up in the trash to keep your dogs safe. Again, if you suspect your pet had too much fun getting into your child’s trick-or-treat bag, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Pet Costumes are Cute But Not Always Comfortable for Your Dog
We all love a good pet costume, but more likely than not, our furry friends do not feel the same way. If your dog does not seem to mind rocking a costume, make sure that it doesn’t limit their movement, hearing, eyesight, or ability to breathe or bark. This can be difficult to account for since most pet costumes are offered in general as small, medium, or large options. Body proportions and sizes can vary between dog breeds, so before purchasing, we recommend measuring your pet to compare it with the costume size details to ensure the best fit. Also, check for small pieces that could present choking hazards or could injure them if caught on any external objects. You can always adjust the costume to be worn safely. If your pet seems distressed or shows abnormal behavior while wearing a costume, a bandana, bowtie, or simple accessory could be a nice compromise.
Whether you live in Bartlett, Hoffman Estates, St Charles, Elgin, or Schaumburg, call us at (630) 289-8470 to book kennel boarding during the upcoming holidays along with dog grooming so that your pup can have a pamper session while they are with us at Bark Avenue Daycamp.
