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General tips to help make it a safe Halloween for you and your pets
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Halloween can be fun for pets as well as little goblins and ghosties.
But it can also be a nightmare for some pets, either through intentional cruelty or unintentional actions.
Much of it is up to us as responsible pet owners.
If you own a black cat, it's a good idea to keep it indoors for a while and especially on Beggar's Night because black cats are often targeted for cruelty.
There are lots of pet costumes out there but not all animals appreciate fashion. Don't force it.
Here are some general tips:
Candy: Good for the kids, not for the pets. Chocolate is toxic to both cats and dogs. Cats can become fascinated with ribbons or foil, both dangerous to their intestines. Make sure treats collected by children aren't left where pets can find them.
Candles: Lighted candles are very attractive to pets. But a swishing tail can easily knock over a lighted candle and set a fire. Cats can also knock over a candle with their paws.
Dressing up: No pets should be forced to wear costumes. If your pet allows it, make sure there are no strings your pet could swallow or choke on, or that a pet could catch on a fence or door. Make sure the pet's vision isn't obscured by the costume. Never let your pet wear a costume without being supervised by you. Don't trust the kids.
Loud noises: If your pet gets annoyed by doorbells or children, keep them confined well away from the door when trick or treaters arrive. You don't want a pet shooting out the door when you feed the beggars. Put him in a quiet room, turn on the TV or stereo and try not to disturb him until the bedlam dies down. If you can, head off children before they ring your doorbell every five minutes so the dog doesn't go nuts. Give the pet an extra treat or chew toy to keep him busy. Take him for a walk earlier in the evening so he is nice and tired and may not be so worried about noises.
Trick-or- treating: Don't take the dog. With all the excitement and activity going on around him, he could become frightened and nip or snap at someone. And what if your pet goes up to the door and encounters a not-so-friendly four-legged resident?
Make sure your pet is wearing an ID and license, so if he happens to get loose, whoever finds him will be able to return him. It also makes it easier for the pet to be returned by officials if someone calls the animal shelter.
Backyard safety: If your dog is in the backyard, be aware of people passing by in case someone tries to victimize your pet or open gates. It's best to bring pets inside until the commotion is over. Check the yard for anything that might have been tossed over the fence and could pose a hazard to your pet's health.
Lebanon's Dancing Horse Farm is hosting a Halloween Horse Show on Nov. 1-2. The Dressage Schooling Show will be on Nov. 1 and The Halloween Fun Show will be on Nov. 2. Both shows require costumes. Dancing Horse Farm is located at 4080 Weisenberger Road.
For more information, visit www.DancingHorseFarmOH.com for forms and directions.
SICSA charity auction rescheduled
Due to the winds of Ike and lack of electricity, the Society for the Improvement of Conditions for Stray Aniamls postponed its Red Dog Charity Auction to Friday, Oct. 31. Tickets are $70 each or a table of eight for $500. Reservations may be purchased at SICSA, 2600 Wilmington Pike or at www.sicsa.org. Dress is business casual or with the date change attendees may come in costume if desired. For more information, call Zandra at (937) 294-6505, ext. 16
Contact this reporter at (937)
225-2248 or ldenger@DaytonDailyNews.com.
