pet Halloween

Halloween is approaching! As we all prepare for the spookiest season, we must not forget our furry friends. These safety tips will ensure that you and your pet will have an amazing Halloween 2019!

Candy is for Humans Only

Your children may bring home bags full of goodies on Halloween night. Unfortunately for the curious pet, these sugary sweets are more of a trick than a treat. Many Halloween candies contain ingredients such as chocolate or xylitol, which can be dangerous if consumed by animals. Make sure that you or your kids keep a close eye on the trick-or-treat bags.

As an alternative (yet still festive!) meal supplement, consider introducing some pumpkin into your cat or dog’s diet! See our blog on pumpkin for more information.

Be Careful With Decorations

Changes to the home can be surprising and even disorienting to your pets. They may knock things over or chew on something they are not supposed to. It is always a good idea to keep any candles and Jack-o’-lanterns out of reach of pets. If knocked over, they can quickly start a fire. Wires and electric decorations should also be kept out of reach. Dogs, cats, and small animals alike often feel compelled to chew these objects, leading to potential electric shock. Furthermore, moving animatronics or decorations that make loud noises can be scary for your pet. If you are a devout Halloween decorator, it may be best to keep these decorations outside or away from your furry friends.

Be Conscious About Costumes

As cute as they may be, many pets do not enjoy wearing costumes. Often wearing a costume can cause undue anxiety or discomfort. Always test costumes before committing to one for the whole night, ensuring that your pet is comfortable and can function properly.

Keep Them Indoors

Regardless of your plans, your pet should be kept inside on Halloween night. It can be a whirlwind of activity, easily overwhelming animals. Some children even play pranks involving animals (particularly black cats). Overall, it is a dangerous night to let your pets go outside.

You can still walk your dog on Halloween. Many dogs will love the experience of trick-or-treating with you and your children! However, make sure to always keep them on a leash. Unfamiliar Halloween costumes or decorations may scare some dogs and cause them to run away. As a general rule of thumb, always make sure your dog has proper identification just in case.

Claws N Paws Day Spa provides professional grooming services to both cats and dogs at our shop located in Fountain Valley, California. Stop by today or contact us at 714-962-1005 for more information or to set up an appointment.

Halloween Costumes for Pets

People of all ages enjoy Halloween. It only makes sense that we would want to include our pets in the fun. Pet costumes have come a very long way over the past few years. While choosing the perfect costume for your pet should be enjoyable, remember to always put your pet’s safety and comfort before your own amusement.

Most likely, your pet won’t have any say in what their Halloween costume is going to be. Most pet parents have a very special bond with their pets and in many ways their pet becomes an extensive of their own personality. The costume that you choose for your pet might reflect your special relationship with them or it could reflect what is trending at the moment. You might even choose to wear a matching costume with your pet or make your pet a special sidekick or accessory to your own costume.

Pets typically have a tough time getting used to wearing their costumes. Costumes with headgear are some of the most difficult to get your pet accustomed to. While you might be tempted to wait until Halloween, it’s a much better idea to get them used to their costume before the big night. A pet’s costume should never limit its movement. Pets should be able to run or walk normally without banging into anything. A slow buildup to Halloween with lots of positive reinforcement is probably your best bet at making your pet comfortable with their costume.

Start by putting the costume on your pet for a short period of time. Offer lots of treats and praise them. Remove the costume and repeat this process several times during the weeks before Halloween. This type of training helps to convince your pet that wearing the costume is a positive experience.

No matter how much you prepare it’s still important to know when your pet is uncomfortable. Telltale signs include ears pulled back, tucking of the tail, lowering of the head and immobility. Their costume should be easy to remove in case of discomfort. Also, make sure there are no parts of the costume that can be chewed off and ingested.

Claws N Paws Day Spa has been grooming dogs and cats in Orange County, California since 2001. For more information or to schedule your next grooming appointment, please call 714-962-1005 today.

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