Air Travel Tips for Flying With Pets
Flying with your cat or dog can feel like a bumpy ride, but these pet air travel tips can help make for a smoother, stress-free trip.
From ghosts and ghouls to spiders and skeletons, Halloween is a bewitching time, full of fun and fright. But the spooky festivities should never come at the expense of your four-legged companions. So, how can you keep your pet safe from the extra dangers lurking in the shadows? Let’s dive into how to keep your pet safe during Halloween!
One of the best parts of Halloween is the candy! Bags and buckets and pillowcases full of treats, enough to last at least a month! It’s important you do not allow pets top have access to candy, though—especially any sweets containing chocolate or the sweetener xylitol. These sweet treats can be harmful for cats and are especially harmful to dogs.
Chocolate caffeine and theobromine—stimulant chemicals that pets metabolize and eliminate differently compared to people. Depending on the type and amount consumed, risks of chocolate exposure could include gastrointestinal concerns, cardiac changes, neurologic signs like tremors, and seizures.
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in sugar-free foods, gum, and candies. Even in small exposures, xylitol consumption can cause different types of symptoms than chocolate. Ingesting xylitol can result in a life-threatening drop in blood sugar, seizures, and liver damage. The effects of xylitol may be limited to gastrointestinal upset in cats, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry!
It’s important to act fast if you think your dog or cat has ingested something they shouldn’t have. Call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or contact your veterinarian right away.
Beware of these other foods unsafe for pets that may pop up around spooky season:
Don’t forget about all the non-food trash that accompanies candy, such as wrappers and lollipop sticks. These can pose hazards both for choking and for gastrointestinal problems. Keep all holiday sweets away from your pet by storing them up high and in a closed container. And remember to stock up on some healthy pet treats so your four-legged friend can join in the frightful fun—without the risk.
They may not be as spooky as poisons, potions, or bubbling witches brew, but there are a lot of everyday items around the house that can seriously hurt a pet. Learn what to stay away from, what to watch out for, and what to do if your pet ingests something toxic.
Halloween costumes range from the frightening to the fantastical, from hilarious to horrifying, and everyone likes to join in the fun. Some pets love the limelight, while others prefer their birthday suits. Dress up your pet only if you're sure they'll enjoy it.
Here are a few basic rules to help keep your pet safe:
Even if your dog or cat is used to wearing pet clothing, it’s a good idea to try their costume on prior to the big night. Your friend will need some time to get used to the costume before they’re surrounded by all the extra people and the excitement spooky season brings. If your pet seems at all uncomfortable during your dress rehearsal, it’s probably best to ditch the costume. While it may be disappointing, your pet's health and comfort should be your top priority.
Seasonal décor can add some extra spook to your home, but it can also lead to potential pet hazards. Be especially careful with the following:
You also want to stay away from plastic skeletons and spiders, cobwebs, or other decorations that have small components your dog or cat could swallow. Keeping your décor pet-friendly ensures that everyone, including your furry companions, enjoys a safe and happy Halloween.
Halloween Hint: If your pet bites into a glow stick, offer them some water or a small amount of plain milk to help with the taste. Always consult your veterinarian if you notice any adverse reactions.
It’s not uncommon for our canine and feline companions to feel anxious during trick-or-treat time. After all, the doorbell is ringing all night, and strangers dressed in bizarre clothing are coming and going. To keep them calm, safe, and secure, here are a few things you can do when it comes to trick-or-treating.
Double check that they’re wearing proper, up-to-date identification (collar with ID tags). If your pet doesn’t have a microchip, the holiday season is a good time to consider it!
As a safety measure, it’s smart to prepare a list of emergency numbers to keep in plain sight, including:
If you live in a neighborhood where trick-or-treating is popular, chances are you’ll be opening the door often throughout the evening. Make sure you have barriers in place, such as pet gates placed throughout the house, if you want to keep your pet away from the candy-filled action.
Learn more about how pet insurance could help you cover your pet’s eligible veterinary care expenses.
Some animals can become frightened by the activity generated by an entire evening of multiple strangers dropping by in crazy costumes. Separating an anxious pet isn’t just being neighborly—it also reduces unneeded stress on your animal.
Here’s what to do during trick-or-treating hours:
If you do choose to have your dog or cat by your side to greet trick-or-treaters, keep them on a leash or set up gates in your home to prevent them from running out the door. Keep in mind, some pets can be seasoned escape artists, so the door (and your pet) should be monitored closely.
Is your pet joining you for trick-or-treating? Be sure their costume includes proper ID! If you become separated from them or they escape through an open door, a current microchip or updated identification tag can make the challenge of reuniting pets and their parents much easier.
Also, if you plan to be out after dark, make sure your pet is wearing something reflective, whether it be a costume, vest, leash, or collar. This can help minimize the risk of being struck by a car while you’re moving from house to house.
Halloween brings more than just candy and costumes. It's a time with greater distraction than a normal day, when getting out of the house may risk injury by passing cars or other animals.
For your cat's safety, make it a priority to absolutely keep them indoors at all times throughout Halloween week. The risks are simply too high to ignore. Remember, what some may see as a prank could have devastating consequences for your pet.
Do cats really have nine lives? Learn more about the mythology of felines and find out how these mysterious creatures have been casting their spell on us for centuries!
From avoiding toxic treats to dressing your pet in comfy costumes and keeping them calm during trick-or-treating, these simple precautions can help protect your best four-legged friends and make Halloween a howling good time for you and your boo.
And remember, no matter how prepared you are for the holiday, accidents can still happen. An ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance plan can help cover those scary bills from even scarier vet visits — because you and your pet deserve treats, not tricks!
Happy haunting!
An ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance plan can help you with eligible costs for covered conditions like surgery expenses for accidents and help provide peace of mind that your pet can receive the care they need. Check out our online resources to learn more about your insurance options and get a free quote today. The information presented in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute or substitute for the advice of your veterinarian.
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