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How Richmond Dog Lovers can stay safe this Halloween
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Richmonders certainly love their pets! There are indoor festivities and outdoor festivities on Halloween this year for you and your pet. However, there are some things to keep in mind to keep your pet safe this Halloween.
-Always remember that Chocolate is deadly for pets- even a little bit. Chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that is a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic. If your dog consumes chocolate, he may become hyperactive and urinate frequently. Vomiting and diarrhea are also common. Because this affects a dog’s heart, he may have a heart attack or irregular heart beat.
-Foil wrappers can also get stuck in your pet’s digestive tract and cause distress. Be sure not to leave wrappers lying around- even in a trashcan that’s not properly sealed.
If your dog is in distress, contact your closest emergency vet.
Veterinary Referral & Critical Care
1596 Hockett Rd, Manakin Sabot, VA
804-784-8722
http://www.vrccvet.com/
Veterinary Emergency Center Carytown
3312 West Cary St Richmond, Va 23221
804-353-9000
http://www.animal-emergency.com/
Veterinary Emergency Center South
2460 Colony Crossing Pl.
Midlothian, VA 23112
http://www.animal-emergency.com/
-Halloween can be very stressful for a pet. What other time of year does your dog encounter multiple people dressed up in spooky costumes? Unless you and your dog live in Disneyland, your dog is not used to large hats, baggy clothing and makes. It makes many dogs afraid and there is a higher incidence of bites reported on Halloween weekend. DON”T pressure your dog that “it’s ok”- you dog will not be convinced. Show him your costume beforehand. Wear it around the house for him to get used to it. Make sure your dog is well socialized to people generally- a Halloween party is NOT the time to get Fido over his fear of people. Put your dog away in a separate room with plenty of bones and toys to keep him busy while you attend to trick or treaters.
-Is Fido social and you want to dress him up? Be sure to keep anything away from his eyes or mouth that might impede on his vision or breathing. Well fitted hats can be cute but can become very annoying to your dog if it’s constantly rubbing on him. Make sure the weather allows for the costume you’ve picked out for him (you can get some cute ones at the Lora Robins Gift shop at the Richmond SPCA). If you’ve picked a very heavy one and it’s warm out, Fido will become very hot and uncomfortable. Remember, dogs don’t sweat like we do so take the costume off of him and allow him plenty of water and time to cool down.
-Watch out for wagging tails! Don’t leave lit pumpkins or candles out within tail wagging distance! Even if they didn’t start a house fire they could burn themselves.
Remember- this should be FUN for you and your pet!
Happy Howloweening!
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