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Tail Wagger Times

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Hazards of Halloween

       Let’s be honest here, it’s been hard to fight the many temptations that come with Halloween: candy bars, over priced decorations, and worse of all, the urge to splurge on that adorable cow boy costume for your pet. While it may seem like a good idea at the time, you may certainly regret it……much like eating those candy bars. To have a safe fun filled night with your pets, beware of the Hazards of Halloween!



Costumes: Be aware your pets may not be as amused with their get-up as you are. For example, the only thing putting a costume on my cat ever accomplished was refreshing my first aid skills. To prevent unneeded stress for you and your pet, buy a something that fits well and does not have a mask. Costumes should leave enough room to move freely without creating a tripping/snagging hazard. Make sure that costume never affects the animal’s vision, breathing, sense of smell, or ability to run/walk/sit. Need some ideas? Here are some of my favorite Canine Costumes of this year.


http://dog-milk.com/halloween-hounds-2011/


RAWR! How can you not giggle at this tiny t-rex? Just make sure those arms don't turn into chew toys!


http://dog-milk.com/images/2011/09/dogcostumes_rodeo.jpg






I’m a big fan of this guy. Easily adjustable for a comfy fit, won’t restrict of over heat, and most of the costume is behind him where he’s less likely to chew it up. Yee-ha! Get a long little doggie!


http://blog.blanketid.com/2011/10/make-it-a-stylish-howl-o-ween/



http://www.fidofriendly.com/images/sized/files/pupto_thumb-224x357.jpg




I simply cannot get over how cute this is….and I’m not even a Star Wars fan! If you are, click here to check out this video of another intergalactic costume idea!






This guy is my favorite for a few reasons. Its so creative, yet simple enough to make yourself—looks like all you need is an e-collar, wood dowel, two Styrofoam balls and one cute pooch!







 


It’s very important to give the costume a dress rehearsal before the big night. Feel free to encourage them with treats, but if it’s been 30 minutes and your friend still isn’t comfortable, let him go in his birthday suite. Remember: even if you pet is content in his new duds, never leave them unattended in it.


Candy: Even fun sized candies aren’t healthy for your four legged friends. Ingredients found in candy such as the Theobromine or Xylitol can put some serious hurting on your pets night. Symptoms include tremors, diarrhea, vomiting, and excessive urination. If you suspect your pet has eaten something dangerous to their health, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. Chocolate or not, any candy wrappers or sticks could also be dangerous. Keep candy out of reach and be sure to buy or make your pets their very own Halloween treats. Check out some links below!


  •  http://www.pawesome.net/2011/09/blue-buffalos-boo-bars/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Pawesome+%28Pawesome%29&utm_content=Google+Reader



Trick or Treaters: Even the friendliest pets can get spooked with all the extra festivities going on around them. Constant door bells and strange people outside could scare them into unfriendly behavior or even darting outside. Be sure that your animals have up to date ID tags, or are kept in a closed room. (With food, water and a litter box of course!) Also take any outdoor cats inside for the night, if possible, just to be safe. While I’d like to think the practice of harming animals on Halloween is outdated, there is still potential danger from trouble makers.


Decorations: Be sure to keep curious critters away from decorations that may be new and intriguing them. Open flames as candles, jack-o-lanterns are at risk of being knocked over by a happy dog’s wagging tail or a curious cat. If you animal is a wire nibbler, be sure to conceal or protect wires of lights, fog machines or any other fright night equipment.

Whether your pooch is dressed as the boogie man, or hiding from the boogie man, be sure to have a Spooktacular Halloween!!

-Frank Rowe and Son


Costumes:



Healthy and Safety:
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