Halloween Hazards all Pet Parents Need to Know

October 18, 2021November 2, 2022
by ruthmacpete

Halloween is almost here! Halloween is my all-time favorite holiday. Ever since I was a kid, I have loved Halloween but… not everyone loves Halloween. In fact, many animals are downright terrified by the holiday. In addition to being scary, Halloween can be dangerous to our pets. It is important all pet parents know the four most common Halloween pet hazards and how to keep their pets safe this Halloween.

1.Open Doors
The spooky decorations, eerie noises, ghoulishly dressed little people ringing doorbells and yelling “trick-or-treat” can be frightening to our pets. If you have a nervous, shy or easily frightened pet it is best to keep them inside your house and away from the door. Likewise, if your pet is very protective, keep your pet safely secured inside the house. Sadly, many frightened pets get lost during Halloween every year when they dart out of an open front door or escape from their yard. It’s best to keep your dog safely away from the commotion in a back room and give them a treat or toy to keep them busy. West Paw makes a variety of interactive toys. The West Paw Toppl can be filled with your dog’s favorite treat or food to keep them engaged, mentally stimulated and distracted from the scary sounds and ghouls and goblins at the door.

2.Candy
Scary trick-or-treaters aren’t the worst hazard to our pets. Candy is probably the biggest danger. As most people, know chocolate is toxic to our pets and can be fatal. However, it’s not just chocolate that we have to watch out for. Candy with xylitol, like sugar-free gum, is also vey dangerous to pets. Xylitol causes insulin release and low blood sugar levels and can lead to liver failure. Be sure to keep all Halloween candy away from your pets. If your pet manages to steal some candy, immediately call your veterinarian for help or take your pet to a veterinary emergency clinic.

3.Decorations
Halloween decorations can be another big danger to our pets. Flickering candles, jack-o-lanterns, and twinkling lights don’t just capture our attentions, pets are curious by nature and are drawn to these lights as well. Unfortunately, pets can get burned if they get too close to a candle or jack-o-lanterns, or worse, start a house fire. Instead of using traditional candles, use battery operated candles. These are much safer for you and your pets. Halloween lights are pretty but can also be dangerous to ours pets. Pets can get tangled in lights, or worse yet, they can get electrocuted if they chew on them.

4.Costumes
Some people, like me, love to dress their pet up for Halloween. Just be sure you use a costume made especially for pets and never leave them in a costume unattended. Pet costumes are designed to fit your pet comfortably and to come off easily. Even so, you should never leave your pet alone in a costume. Some animals may decide to take their costume off themselves and become entangled, while others may decide to eat the costume in order to ensure they won’t have to wear it again.

This Halloween, make it a priority to keep your pets safe and sound. Keep your cats inside if you don’t already do so, and put your dog in a back room, especially if they are shy, nervous, or easily frightened by kids, loud noises, and lights. Be aware of common Halloween hazards like candy and decorations. Finally, if your pet doesn’t already have a collar, ID tag and microchip, get these before Halloween just in case your pet gets frightened and runs away during all the spooky commotion.

Have a safe and happy Halloween!

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What You Need To Know Before Hiking With Your…

May 16, 2021June 24, 2021
by ruthmacpete

Hiking is a great activity for people and pets. Besides the beautiful scenery and fresh air, you get a healthy dose of exercise. Before you set out on a hike with your pet, here are a few things you should know.

Know the rules

First make sure the trail allows dogs. Some allow dogs but only if they are on a leash, others do not allow dogs at all. Most trails post signs at the trailhead to inform you if pets are permitted. Know the rules before you hit the trail. No one likes to arrive at the trailhead with a very excited pooch only to find out that no pets are allowed. Although it may be tempting to break the rules, do so at your own risk. Most parks have rangers who are not afraid to issue citations. It may not seem like a big deal but a ticket can a lot of money.

Know your pet’s ability

Be sure your dog is in good shape and can complete the hike. Otherwise, you may find yourself carrying them back. Some dogs, especially brachycephalic breeds and small dogs, do not have much stamina and cannot physically handle strenuous hikes. Others are just sedentary and don’t enjoy hiking. Years ago, I used to hike with my Doberman and Scottish terrier. My Dobie could hike for miles and miles and would never tire. My Scottie, on the other hand, loved hiking on level ground or downhill but would refuse to hike uphill. After having to carry my twenty-five pound Scottie uphill a few times, I learned my lesson and bought a dog backpack carrier. She loved it and I loved it because it was easier than carrying her in my arms. These days I have two great hikers but I still carry a backpack for my little man Jett, that way when he’s tired he can take a break. The main point is make sure you know your pet’s limits and don’t exceed them.

Stay hydrated

Be sure to bring plenty of water for yourself and your pets. Just like you, your pet will need to drink a lot of water while hiking in order to stay hydrated. The heat and exercise can lead to dehydration quickly if you and your pet are not drinking enough. Never assume you will find water on a trail. You never know when a stream or creek is going to be run dry. Also, drinking water from a stream is a good way to get intestinal parasites like giardia. Make sure you bring enough water for you and your pet and don’t forget to bring a collapsible bowl for your pet since it’s not easy for them to drink from a water bottle.

Hiking dangers

When hiking, always stay on the designated trails to avoid disturbing wildlife or damaging native plants. In addition to obeying the rules and helping protect the environment, staying on the trail can actually save your dog’s life. Poisonous snakes are found in every state except Alaska, Hawaii, and Maine. Although you may not realize it, you and your pet may not be the only ones enjoying the hiking trails on a warm summer day. By keeping your pet leashed and on the trails, you can pull your dog away from danger and you are keeping them out of a snake’s favorite hiding place, like brush and piles of rubble. For more info about poisonous snakes and what to do if your pet is bitten, read my previous blog on poisonous snakes. While not as dangerous as a venomous snake, plants with thorns and cacti are a common outdoor hazard for your pet. Keeping your pet leashed and on the trail can protect them from becoming a cactus pincushion. Keeping them on a leash will also keep them out of harms way by keeping them away from cliffs, waterfalls, and rivers. After you finish your hike, check your dog’s fur and in between their toes for thorns, cactus stickers, foxtails, and burrs, and look for ticks, especially if you live in an area endemic for Lyme disease.

In line with the Boy Scout motto, being prepared can make all the difference in the world between an enjoyable outdoor excursion and wilderness misadventure. Before you set out on a hike, know the trail rules and bring plenty of water for yourself and your pet. Remember to keep your pet on a leash and on the trail. Afterwards, check their fur and feet closely after hikes. Hiking is a great activity that people and pets can enjoy together. Hopefully these tips will help you and your pet stay safe while enjoying the great outdoors.

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How to Hike Safely With Your Dog

August 4, 2020August 5, 2020
by ruthmacpete

Know the Rules
First make sure the trail allows dogs. Some allow dogs but only if they are on a leash, while others do not allow dogs at all. Most trails post signs at the trailhead to inform you if pets are permitted. Know the rules before you hit the trail. No one likes to arrive at the trailhead with a very excited pooch only to find out that no pets are allowed. Although it may be tempting to break the rules, do so at your own risk. Most parks have rangers who are not afraid to issue citations. It may not seem like a big deal but a ticket can a lot of money.

Know Your Pet’s Ability
Be sure your dog is physically up to the challenge and that the temperature is not too hot. Otherwise, you may find yourself carrying your pet back. Some dogs, especially breeds, cannot physically handle heat or strenuous hikes. Other breeds are just sedentary and don’t enjoy hiking. For example, my Doberman could hike for miles and miles and never seemed to get tired. On the other hand, my new dog Jett is tiny, brachycephalic and not made for hiking. That said, he enjoys the great outdoors like the rest of us, so we only hike when it is cool or shady and always bring a dog backpack. Jett hikes a bit and then is carried like royalty the rest of the time. Whether you have a big dog, little dog or short nosed dog, just be sure you know your pet’s limits and don’t exceed them.

Stay Hydrated
Be sure to bring plenty of water for yourself and your pets. Just like you, your pet will need to drink a lot of water while hiking in order to stay hydrated. The heat and exercise can lead to dehydration quickly if you and your pet are not drinking enough. Never assume you will find water on a trail. You never know when a stream or creek is going to be run dry. Also, drinking water from a stream is a good way to get intestinal parasites like giardia. Make sure you bring enough water for you and your pet and don’t forget to bring a collapsible bowl for your pet since it’s not easy for them to drink from a water bottle.

Hiking Dangers
When hiking, always stay on the designated trails to avoid disturbing wildlife or damaging native plants. In addition to obeying the rules and helping protect the environment, staying on the trail can actually save your dog’s life. Poisonous snakes are found in every state except Alaska, Hawaii, and Maine. Although you may not realize it, you and your pet may not be the only ones enjoying the hiking trails on a warm summer day. By keeping them leashed and on the trail, you can pull your dog away from danger and keep them out of a snake’s favorite hiding place, like brush and piles of rubble. For more info about poisonous snakes and what to do if your pet is bitten, read my previous blog on poisonous snakes. While not as dangerous as a venomous snake, plants with thorns and cacti are a common outdoor hazard for your pet. Keeping your pet leashed and on-trail can protect them from becoming a cactus pincushion. Keeping them on a leash will also keep them out of harm’s way by keeping them away from cliffs, waterfalls, and rivers. After you finish your hike, check your dog’s fur and in between their toes for thorns, cactus stickers, foxtails, and burrs, and always make sure to look for ticks, especially if you live in an area endemic for Lyme disease.

Tag: dog safety