Brent Goodman holds degrees in English from Ripon College, a Masters of Fine Arts from Purdue University, and has extensive experience in research communications and educational publishing across various fields of study. He is currently the Senior Copywriter at Drs. Foster & Smith Pet Supplies, the nation's leading online and catalog pet supplier.
Soon enough the season of costumes and Jack-O'-Lanterns will fill our neighborhoods with an endless parade of trick-or-treaters heading for our doorsteps. This year, be prepared to make the season a safe one for all members of the family. Here are some important veterinarian-recommended tips:
· Halloween season is a time of mischief and pranks, and too often dogs and cats become unwilling participants. Keep your outdoor pets well supervised in the yard or, better yet, keep them indoors and safe from neighborhood hooligans at night.
· If your dog has the personality and temperament to accompany the kids trick-or-treating, there are a variety of costumes available in pet-friendly sizes. Just make sure the costume doesn't interfere with his ability to breathe, see, hear, move, or bark. Always make sure the fit isn't constricting, and keep an eye out for signs your dog may be getting stressed out.
· Like any other night you take your dog for a stroll, make sure he's wearing his collar & nametag/ID. And with so many other people on the street, it's important to keep him on a lead or leash.
· Just as you'd make sure your kids aren't eating unsafe candy, never let your dog get a hold of any bite-size sweets. Candy and wrappers are potential choking hazards, and chocolate is particularly dangerous for dogs - a toxin. Instead, pick up a container of baked cookies for Dogs to share or any other of your pooch's favorite biscuits and treats.
· No other time of year will so many strange kids in even stranger costumes be knocking on your door. This can be especially nerve-wracking for the territorial dog. With the door opening and closing all night, be careful of them darting out. You may even want to put up a temporary gate in the entranceway, or keep your pup in a separate room.
· For especially nervous animals, the haunting screams of kids and endless chiming doorbells can get to be too much for comfort. There are a variety of calming products designed for storm- and travel-shy pets, which are also useful on Halloween.
- Finally, decorations and Jack-O'-Lanterns are tempting for pets to get their noses into. Needless to say, it's too easy for them to get hurt if left unsupervised, whether it's in a tangle of crepe paper or a singed coat from an open flame. Always keep these Halloween favors out of your pet's reach!
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- Major Concerns With a Border Terrier Pet Dog
- Pet Dogs Need A Transport Dog Crates For Travel
- Dog Crate Training For Your Pet Dogs
- Pet Dogs: Could Be Your Best Friend And Companion
- Training Dogs: How To Raise A Pet Dog?
- Pet Dogs And Puppies Basics
- Parasites and Your Pet Dogs Health
- Some Information Regarding Cairn Terrier Pet Dogs
Kirk Bernard's 7 Tips to Prevent and Survive a Dog Attack
By: Kirk Bernard | 06/01/2010In the United States alone, nearly 5 million people are attacked by dogs every year. About 1,000 dog bite victims go to hospital emergency rooms every day. Many of them are children, but adults are also very often victims of brutal dog attacks. In Washington State, it is the responsibility of a dog owner to keep his or her pet restrained and make sure that it doesn't pose a threat to neighbors. Here are some simple steps you can take to help prevent a dog attack, as well as survive an attack.
Arthritis In Dogs
By: Rich Currie | 05/01/2010Arthritis in dogs can be very painful for them. Fortunately there are some treatments that can help ease their pain. Synflex liquid glucosamine is very affective for treating arthritis in dogs and cats.
Breeding Ducks - Cheaper for Farmer To Produce Than To Buy
By: Mary Louise | 05/01/2010As it is cheaper for a farmer to produce his own ducklings than to buy them from the outside, he should do his own breeding. Only the best ducks and drakes must be kept for breeding. In this way only, the ducklings hatched on the project will be strong and healthy. Do not keep any birds that have deformed wings, with the tip of wings pointing outside.
Caring For Ducks From 6 weeks to 4 months
By: Mary Louise | 05/01/2010After six weeks, the ducks can be fed entirely on locally produced feed--sweet potatoes, taro, banana, pumpkin, choko, etc. Anything good for people is good for ducks. The food must be cooked. To know how much feed to give to the ducks, follow this simple rule: If the ducks eat everything within half an hour and nothing is left, they are still hungry. Cook more next time. If after half an hour, the ducks start to wander away from the feed, and some of it is still left, they have had enough.
How to Clean Your Large Fish Tank
By: Kasan Groupe | 05/01/2010The downside to owning a large fish tank is that it is more work to clean it every week (preferable.) If you want your fish to live a long time and your tank to look clean and clear and free from algae overtaking your habitat then you’ve got to properly clean your tank. Here are the basics.
How to Clean Your Large Fish Tank
By: Alan Boyer | 05/01/2010The downside to owning a large fish tank is that it is more work to clean it every week (preferable.) If you want your fish to live a long time and your tank to look clean and clear and free from algae overtaking your habitat then you’ve got to properly clean your tank. Here are the basics.
How to Clean Your Large Fish Tank
By: Alan Boyer | 05/01/2010The downside to owning a large fish tank is that it is more work to clean it every week (preferable.) If you want your fish to live a long time and your tank to look clean and clear and free from algae overtaking your habitat then you’ve got to properly clean your tank. Here are the basics.
Crate Training Your Puppy
By: Sandra Scott | 05/01/2010Lots of people are under the misconception that crate training your puppy is cruel and unkind but, if done correctly, this couldn’t be farther from reality. Crate training puppies is a crucial process for most puppy owners. Crate training puppies is an excellent way to permit a pup to become used to his new surroundings. It's not a type of abuse, but will really help to make a puppy become a well- adjusted pet.
5 Keys to Summer Safety and Health for Pets
By: B Goodman | 20/05/2009 | PetsIncreased exposure to the outdoors in warm weather introduces some risks for your pet. Follow these 5 tips to keep your pet safe, comfortable and healthy during summer.
Dog Fence Systems
By: B Goodman | 12/05/2009 | PetsAs a responsible pet owner, one of your primary responsibilities is ensuring that your dog stays in your yard and does not run at large. By keeping your dog confined, you eliminate many threats to his safety, such as being hit by a car, getting lost, or getting into poisonous substances. Additionally, your neighbors will appreciate the fact that your dog's droppings stay in your yard, and not theirs. But what type of dog fence if right for you?
Halloween Safety for Your Pet
By: B Goodman | 04/09/2008 | PetsMake the Halloween season safe for all family members - including your pet. Be prepared with these tips recommended by veterinarians.
Arthritis Symptoms Checklist for Dogs
By: B Goodman | 21/08/2008 | PetsDo you suspect that your dog is suffering from osteoarthritis? Check which symptoms your dog exhibits.
How to Curb Excessive Barking
By: B Goodman | 21/08/2008 | PetsDon't let excessive or chronic barking disturb the peace in your home. There are many ways to help control undesirable or excessive barking.
Blastomycosis Checklist for Dogs
By: B Goodman | 22/07/2008 | PetsBlastomycosis is a serious systemic fungal disease that creates a variety of symptoms. Early detection is critical to successful treatment and rate of survival. Refer to this checklist of symptoms if you suspect your dog has been exposed to this organism.
Pet Supplies: Automated Cat Products Simplify Daily Care
By: B Goodman | 30/04/2008 | PetsTech-advances in pet supplies for cat offer improved care for your cat along with convenience for you.