While Halloween can be a frighteningly good time for children and adults alike, it can also be petrifying for your pooch or terrifying for your tabby. The Humane Society of the United States is reminding pet owners that this haunting holiday may be too scary for your pet. Companion animals aren't used to the doorbell-ringing, costumed creatures and general hustle-and-bustle that come into our homes at this time of year.
"For your pet's comfort and safety, the best thing that you can do is to make sure that they have a stress-free holiday," according to Adam Goldfarb, director of the Pets at Risk program for The Humane Society of the United States. "The noises, smells and people can be overwhelming for many pets on Halloween, so create a safe haven in one room of your home where he or she can quietly relax."
To help keep pets safe and happy this Halloween, The HSUS recommends the following tips:
Keep your pets safely indoors, away from trick-or-treaters and other Halloween activities.
Make sure that all of your pets are wearing tags with current ID. Opening the door repeatedly for trick-or-treaters creates plenty of escape opportunities.
Keep candy out of your pets' reach. Chocolate and other ingredients can be toxic to them.
Most pets are happiest wearing nothing but their birthday suit. Costumes and masks can make your pets uncomfortable or even cause injury.
Decorations can be dangerous, so be sure to keep them safely away from pets. Candle flames can set fire to a pet's fur. Hanging or dangling decorations can be an entanglement or choking hazard to some animals.
Use fake cobwebs sparingly, if at all. Pets can choke on fake cobwebs set up indoors. Outdoors, fake webs may be a hazard to birds and wildlife.
When going out trick-or-treating, leave your dog at home. Dogs can be easily excited by the Halloween commotion and a dog bite or lost dog will quickly end the evening's fun.
Don't forget about wildlife on Halloween, either. Nocturnal animals, such as raccoons, opossums and foxes will be out looking for food. If you come across a wild animal while out trick-or-treating, your best bet is to keep your distance (and keep your pets away from wild animals, too).
Though bats are classically associated with Halloween, those in colder climates will most likely be hibernating at this time of year. Most bats won't be interested in sucking your blood, but they'll happily munch away on the insects that may be pestering you while out trick-or-treating.
Paying heed to the tips above, we can all work together to keep our beloved pets and our wild neighbors safe this Halloween.
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Showing posts with label halloween. Show all posts
Showing posts with label halloween. Show all posts
Monday, October 26, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Halloween Dog Bite Prevention Tips From Doggone Safe
/24-7/ -- Changes in routine and the strange sights and sounds of Halloween can cause stress in a normally placid family dog. Keep dogs out of the fray by securing them away from the door and providing a long-lasting chew treat. Teach kids to Be a Tree and stand still if any dogs come near them on Halloween.
Halloween is lots of fun for kids, but many dogs will be confused or upset by kids in strange costumes and by lots of people coming to the door, but never being invited in. Doggone Safe offers the following tips for dog owners, kids and parents:
Dog owners:
1. Secure your dog behind a closed door or in a crate in a room away from the front door or the party if children are meeting at your house.
2. Give him a juicy bone from the butcher, a sterilized bone or Kong stuffed with hotdog, Rollover or other soft dog treats or a pre-stuffed bone from the pet store.
3. Play music or leave a TV or radio playing in the dog's room to help mask the sounds of the activity at the front door.
4. Close drapes so that the dog does not see people coming and going through the window.
5. If you have a dog that barks at the sound of the doorbell, disconnect it or watch for trick-or-treaters so that they do not have to ring or knock.
6. Puppies and dogs that like to chase can get overly excited by costumes with dangly bits or streaming material. Supervise very carefully if you have a dog that may try to play with your children's costumes while they are wearing them. Teach kids to Be a Tree and stand still if the dog does start nipping at their costume since the more they move, the more exited the dog will get.
7. Keep your dogs (and cats) indoors around Halloween time. Pets have been stolen, injured or poisoned as part of Halloween pranks or other rituals.
Kids and Parents:
1. Avoid houses if you can hear a dog barking behind the door, you can see a dog behind a screen door or you see a dog tied up in the yard or barking behind a fence.
2. Never approach any dog, even if you know him. He may not recognize you in your costume.
3. If an owner opens the door and there is a dog there, just stay still and wait for the dog owner to put the dog away. You can tell them you do not want to come near the dog. Do not move toward the person and dog. Wait for them to come to you to give you your candy. Wait for them to close the door before you turn and leave.
4. If a dog escapes just stand still and Be a Tree (hands folded in front, watching your feet). He will just sniff you and then move on. Wait for the owner to come and get the dog before you turn away.
5. If you meet a loose dog, Be a Tree and wait until it goes away.
6. It is best to ignore other people's dogs on Halloween if you meet them out walking. The dog may be worried about all the strange creatures that are out and about. Even if you know the dog, he may not recognize you in your costume.
Doggone Safe wishes everyone a safe and happy Halloween!
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Halloween is lots of fun for kids, but many dogs will be confused or upset by kids in strange costumes and by lots of people coming to the door, but never being invited in. Doggone Safe offers the following tips for dog owners, kids and parents:
Dog owners:
1. Secure your dog behind a closed door or in a crate in a room away from the front door or the party if children are meeting at your house.
2. Give him a juicy bone from the butcher, a sterilized bone or Kong stuffed with hotdog, Rollover or other soft dog treats or a pre-stuffed bone from the pet store.
3. Play music or leave a TV or radio playing in the dog's room to help mask the sounds of the activity at the front door.
4. Close drapes so that the dog does not see people coming and going through the window.
5. If you have a dog that barks at the sound of the doorbell, disconnect it or watch for trick-or-treaters so that they do not have to ring or knock.
6. Puppies and dogs that like to chase can get overly excited by costumes with dangly bits or streaming material. Supervise very carefully if you have a dog that may try to play with your children's costumes while they are wearing them. Teach kids to Be a Tree and stand still if the dog does start nipping at their costume since the more they move, the more exited the dog will get.
7. Keep your dogs (and cats) indoors around Halloween time. Pets have been stolen, injured or poisoned as part of Halloween pranks or other rituals.
Kids and Parents:
1. Avoid houses if you can hear a dog barking behind the door, you can see a dog behind a screen door or you see a dog tied up in the yard or barking behind a fence.
2. Never approach any dog, even if you know him. He may not recognize you in your costume.
3. If an owner opens the door and there is a dog there, just stay still and wait for the dog owner to put the dog away. You can tell them you do not want to come near the dog. Do not move toward the person and dog. Wait for them to come to you to give you your candy. Wait for them to close the door before you turn and leave.
4. If a dog escapes just stand still and Be a Tree (hands folded in front, watching your feet). He will just sniff you and then move on. Wait for the owner to come and get the dog before you turn away.
5. If you meet a loose dog, Be a Tree and wait until it goes away.
6. It is best to ignore other people's dogs on Halloween if you meet them out walking. The dog may be worried about all the strange creatures that are out and about. Even if you know the dog, he may not recognize you in your costume.
Doggone Safe wishes everyone a safe and happy Halloween!
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Friday, October 2, 2009
Halloween Pet Tips From the American Humane Association
/PRNewswire/ -- Candy, costumes, trick-or-treating and frighteningly fun times are what most people think of around Halloween. But pets may find strangers coming to the door dressed as ghosts and goblins a little too scary. Here are some tips from the American Humane Association to help you and your pets have a fun and safe Halloween.
Let your pets celebrate Halloween, too -- Keep a supply of pet treats handy, and reach for one before you open the door for trick-or-treaters. If your pet sits calmly while the door is open, give her a treat! Try a Halloween-themed collar or bandana to show your pet's spirit, instead of a costume that may be constricting or unsafe.
Safety first -- Put pets in a quiet room away from the commotion to reduce their stress and chance of escape. Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with up-to-date ID and rabies tags in case he does escape with the trick-or-treaters. Microchipping your pet is recommended as an added precaution, since a lost pet with a microchip has a greater chance of being reunited with its owner. Also, it's best to keep cats indoors and away from people who may be out to play a mean Halloween prank.
Pet-friendly Halloween decorations -- Instead of an open flame in the jack-o'-lantern, opt for battery-powered, kid- and pet-friendly pumpkins. Open-flame candles and pumpkins with lit candles are especially dangerous because a pet's fur can catch fire. Don't let your pet chew or eat things like crepe-paper streamers; these are often colored with water-soluble dyes that will discolor your pet's mouth and can cause an upset stomach.
Remember: No chocolate and candy! -- Dogs love chocolate as much as humans do, but it is very dangerous for dogs and cats if ingested. Keep all chocolate and candy out of reach of your pets. Have healthy pet treats on hand for your pets, and enjoy the candy and chocolate yourself.
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Let your pets celebrate Halloween, too -- Keep a supply of pet treats handy, and reach for one before you open the door for trick-or-treaters. If your pet sits calmly while the door is open, give her a treat! Try a Halloween-themed collar or bandana to show your pet's spirit, instead of a costume that may be constricting or unsafe.
Safety first -- Put pets in a quiet room away from the commotion to reduce their stress and chance of escape. Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with up-to-date ID and rabies tags in case he does escape with the trick-or-treaters. Microchipping your pet is recommended as an added precaution, since a lost pet with a microchip has a greater chance of being reunited with its owner. Also, it's best to keep cats indoors and away from people who may be out to play a mean Halloween prank.
Pet-friendly Halloween decorations -- Instead of an open flame in the jack-o'-lantern, opt for battery-powered, kid- and pet-friendly pumpkins. Open-flame candles and pumpkins with lit candles are especially dangerous because a pet's fur can catch fire. Don't let your pet chew or eat things like crepe-paper streamers; these are often colored with water-soluble dyes that will discolor your pet's mouth and can cause an upset stomach.
Remember: No chocolate and candy! -- Dogs love chocolate as much as humans do, but it is very dangerous for dogs and cats if ingested. Keep all chocolate and candy out of reach of your pets. Have healthy pet treats on hand for your pets, and enjoy the candy and chocolate yourself.
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Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Doggyspace.com Sponsors Halloween Canine Costume Contest to Benefit Local SPCA Chapters
AAG Note: We've been watching and waiting for one of local Fayette County pups to enter. If you decide to enter, be sure to let us know!
(BUSINESS WIRE)--DoggySpace.com is making sure that only treats will be handed out this October 31st. DoggySpace, a social networking site for dogs, is sponsoring a Halloween canine costume contest to benefit local chapters of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals (SPCA). Dog owners can dress their best friend in their Halloween finest and post pictures at www.doggyspace.com/halloween, where site members can vote for their favorite costume. Doggyspace will donate $6,000 to the winning dog’s local SPCA chapter.
“Doggyspace is about doing something fun, interactive and worthwhile, which is why we started this contest,” said Levi Thorton, Doggyspace founder. “Many SPCA’s are privately funded, which means they are under-funded. Prize money from this contest will go directly to a local SPCA to help with the organization’s mission of raising awareness of animal abuse and promoting programs such as good pet care and spay/neuter awareness initiatives.”
Over 75 SPCA chapters have joined the cause, encouraging their local community to participate by disguising dogs as caterpillars, butterflies and even Minnie Mouse. For instance, Blanco the Chihuahua is dashing as a bumble bee, while Missy the golden retriever remains demure and ladylike in her cowgirl outfit.
More than 2,000 votes have already been cast, but dog lovers have until October 31 to push their favorite costume to the winning spot. Please visit www.doggyspace.com/halloween to enter the contest or vote.
Doggyspace is ideal for pet owners that want to share stories or learn about a specific breed, recently relocated individuals looking to create friendships based on a love of dogs, or even people simply interested in finding a play date for Fido. Standard Doggyspace accounts are free.
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(BUSINESS WIRE)--DoggySpace.com is making sure that only treats will be handed out this October 31st. DoggySpace, a social networking site for dogs, is sponsoring a Halloween canine costume contest to benefit local chapters of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals (SPCA). Dog owners can dress their best friend in their Halloween finest and post pictures at www.doggyspace.com/halloween, where site members can vote for their favorite costume. Doggyspace will donate $6,000 to the winning dog’s local SPCA chapter.
“Doggyspace is about doing something fun, interactive and worthwhile, which is why we started this contest,” said Levi Thorton, Doggyspace founder. “Many SPCA’s are privately funded, which means they are under-funded. Prize money from this contest will go directly to a local SPCA to help with the organization’s mission of raising awareness of animal abuse and promoting programs such as good pet care and spay/neuter awareness initiatives.”
Over 75 SPCA chapters have joined the cause, encouraging their local community to participate by disguising dogs as caterpillars, butterflies and even Minnie Mouse. For instance, Blanco the Chihuahua is dashing as a bumble bee, while Missy the golden retriever remains demure and ladylike in her cowgirl outfit.
More than 2,000 votes have already been cast, but dog lovers have until October 31 to push their favorite costume to the winning spot. Please visit www.doggyspace.com/halloween to enter the contest or vote.
Doggyspace is ideal for pet owners that want to share stories or learn about a specific breed, recently relocated individuals looking to create friendships based on a love of dogs, or even people simply interested in finding a play date for Fido. Standard Doggyspace accounts are free.
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Friday, October 10, 2008
Halloween Can Be a Scary Holiday ... for Pets
PRNewswire/ -- Ghosts and goblins walk the streets, approaching homes collecting treats. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) cautions people about keeping their pets safe and preventing dog bite injuries this Halloween. http://www.avma.org/.
While some dogs may understand that costumes and excited children are all part of the holiday fun, many dogs are fearful of common Halloween activities. This creates an increased potential for dog bites.
"Dogs believe they are the guardians of their homes, and they can feel threatened if a stranger enters their space," explains Dr. James O. Cook, president of the AVMA. "If your dog is apprehensive in these situations, you need to be sensitive to that and make preparations before Halloween to keep your dog -- and all the little neighborhood ghosts and goblins-safe."
Dr. Cook explains that costumes can be very confusing for dogs and this can cause them to react in ways that they might not otherwise. For example, some dogs will bark in alarm or show signs of aggression even when an owner or friend puts on a mask or costume.
"What's important is that you be responsive to your dog and prepare ahead of time for the holiday," he says. "If your dog gets nervous when the doorbell rings, put the dog in a place where it will feel safe. This could be inside a crate with a favorite toy or treat, or inside a familiar room with the door closed. This will make the dog feel safer and calmer."
"If your dog appears to be excessively stressed, look to your veterinarian for help," Dr. Cook adds.
Dog bite injuries and stress are not the only hazards for dogs and their owners on Halloween; candy is another common Halloween problem. Chocolate is poisonous to dogs, and so is xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in many chewing gums. Make sure you store Halloween candy where your dog cannot reach it, because most pets will eat it if given the opportunity.
"Children tend to want to share their treats with their pets, and the dog is all too happy to oblige," Dr. Cook explains. "Warn your children beforehand that table scraps are unhealthy for pets, and that candy can be deadly."
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While some dogs may understand that costumes and excited children are all part of the holiday fun, many dogs are fearful of common Halloween activities. This creates an increased potential for dog bites.
"Dogs believe they are the guardians of their homes, and they can feel threatened if a stranger enters their space," explains Dr. James O. Cook, president of the AVMA. "If your dog is apprehensive in these situations, you need to be sensitive to that and make preparations before Halloween to keep your dog -- and all the little neighborhood ghosts and goblins-safe."
Dr. Cook explains that costumes can be very confusing for dogs and this can cause them to react in ways that they might not otherwise. For example, some dogs will bark in alarm or show signs of aggression even when an owner or friend puts on a mask or costume.
"What's important is that you be responsive to your dog and prepare ahead of time for the holiday," he says. "If your dog gets nervous when the doorbell rings, put the dog in a place where it will feel safe. This could be inside a crate with a favorite toy or treat, or inside a familiar room with the door closed. This will make the dog feel safer and calmer."
"If your dog appears to be excessively stressed, look to your veterinarian for help," Dr. Cook adds.
Dog bite injuries and stress are not the only hazards for dogs and their owners on Halloween; candy is another common Halloween problem. Chocolate is poisonous to dogs, and so is xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in many chewing gums. Make sure you store Halloween candy where your dog cannot reach it, because most pets will eat it if given the opportunity.
"Children tend to want to share their treats with their pets, and the dog is all too happy to oblige," Dr. Cook explains. "Warn your children beforehand that table scraps are unhealthy for pets, and that candy can be deadly."
-----
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