Halloween Safety

Happy HOWL-oween!

Halloween is a time for everyone to have a little fun, and that includes our four-legged family members :) Whether you prefer dressing up or passing out candy, here are some potential dangers to keep in mind as you celebrate this spook-tacular holiday with your pets.

Candy: Candy may taste delicious, but never share any with your pets. Most people know that chocolate is very dangerous, as it can cause everything from vomiting and diarrhea to rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and neurologic problems. However, even non-chocolate treats can be harmful, especially if they contain the artificial sweetener xylitol. Even a small amount of xylitol can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, loss of coordination, and seizures.

Never Leave pets outside alone around Halloween: Mischief-loving children and younger adults sometimes use the Halloween season as an excuse to tease, steal, or injure pets. It might sound crazy, but people do this. Please make sure that if your pet is out on Halloween night, you are out there with them and keeping a watchful eye at all times.

Beware of Halloween plants: Pumpkins and corn may technically be nontoxic, but they can cause gastrointestinal upset if pets ingest them in large quantities. Intestinal blockage can also occur from swallowing large pieces, such as a partial ear of corn.

Keep pets confined and away from the door: In the excitement of giving out candy to trick-or-treaters, it is easy for your pet to get spooked or run out unnoticed through the constantly opening and closing door. Your best bet is to keep your pets in a secure area away from the door. Be aware that some pets may also get anxious or territorial from all of the unexpected excitement.

Lit pumpkins: Be extra cautious if you have pumpkins that are lit with candles. Pets can easily and accidentally knock over a jack-o-lantern, which could result in fire or other injury.

Pet Costumes: Who doesn't love a pet in costume? If you choose to dress your pet up for the holiday, be sure to pick one that is the correct size so the costume is not restricting your pet's movement, hearing, or breathing. Also be aware of any loose pieces that may provide a tripping (or chewing!) hazard.

Try on costumes ahead of time: It's best to do a trial run before the big night. That way, you can make sure your pet is comfortable in the costume and can move without restriction. You also want to make sure he isn’t allergic to the fabric as well. Plus, a comfortable pet takes much cuter photos :)

Pet ID’s: Make sure your pet is wearing appropriate (and up to date!) identification before Halloween night. That way, if Fluffy unexpectedly dashes out the door or Fido slips his leash while trick-or-treating, you have a much better chance of getting them back.

Have a safe and hauntingly good time!

Hello Autumn!

Autumn is finally here!

Many of us welcome the changing leaf colors, cooler temperatures, and pumpkin-flavored, well, everything. It is a sign that the fall season is finally here! However, there are a few hazards pet owners should keep in mind:

Ticks: Although tick populations tend to dwindle over the summer months, they will often crop up again during the fall. Ticks like to live in long grass and wooded areas. Use a comb to check your animal for ticks every time he goes outside, and don't skimp on the preventative just because the weather is getting cooler. Deer ticks are still out there and can spread Lyme disease, which can be just as much of a danger to you as it is for your pet. We recommend continuing to use flea/tick preventative throughout the fall and, ideally, year-round.

Temperature: Fall is an interesting time for pet care. Depending on where you live, you may have to worry about everything from heatstroke to frostbite (although hopefully not back-to-back!). In general, make sure that your pet has plenty of access to water both outside and inside throughout the fall season so he can regulate his intake as needed. Just because the weather might have gotten cooler, it does not mean that your pet has a decreased need for proper hydration.

Halloween: Everyone loves a pet in costume! But be sure to keep your pet's fun and safety in mind. Some costumes can impair your pet's motion or hearing, and others have small pieces that could be choking hazards. After trick-or-treating, make sure that candy is stored out of your pet's reach, perhaps into a cabinet. Candy smells and tastes delicious! But it can be very dangerous for pets.

Grooming: Many pets will shed their summer coats at the beginning of fall. Regular brushing for those with long hair will prevent serious matting, and pets with shorter hair will appreciate a good brushing to help remove remaining summer hair. If you cannot commit to regular coat care, talk to your veterinarian or groomer about clipping or shaving options that are appropriate for the weather.

Mushrooms and seasonal plants: Fall is mushroom and mum season, both of which can be toxic! Luckily, most mushrooms have little or no toxicity. However, some mushrooms can present life threatening problems, and it is often difficult for an untrained eye to pick out which is which. Mums also may appear benign, but they can cause stumbling, skin inflammation, increased salivation, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested. The best way to prevent ingestion of potentially dangerous plants is to keep pets well away from any mushrooms or mums. If you think that your pet has eaten a mushroom or a mum plant, call your veterinarian or animal poison control for advice. 

Watch out for Wildlife: Autumn is the season when snakes and other animals prepare for hibernation. This can increase the possibility of bites to your pets. Although there are no native venomous snakes in Rhode Island, timber rattlers and copperheads can still be found in nearby Connecticut and Massachusetts. And it’s not only snakes that you need to be aware of. Mice, rats, and other creatures may startle more easily as they are trying to bed down for the winter. As always, it never hurts to call your veterinarian if you have any concerns about a potential bite.

School Supplies: Remind your children to be careful with their supplies! Items like glue sticks, pencils, and magic markers are generally considered to have low toxicity, but pets may mistake them for chew tows and they can cause gastrointestinal upset and blockages if ingested.

2nd Annual HOWL-O-WEEN Event

The entire staff did such a wonderful job preparing for our 2nd annual Howl-o-ween event. Thank you to everyone who came out! The party may have been slightly downsized this year, but between our numerous games, a balloon artist, pumpkin painting, and of course the pet costume parade, everyone seemed to have a great time. Congratulations to all of the parade winners and of those who were chosen in our raffle drawings! We hope next year to be able to make it an even larger event. 

Special thanks goes out to Bow chika Wow Town for coming to discuss their training, doggie daycare services, and hotel.  Also, thank you to everyone who donated to the raffles, including Merial, who was a big part of our event again this year. We wish everyone a safe and Happy Halloween!