URBAN ANIMAL: Tricks and treats not fun for all dogs, cats

Dear Readers

With Halloween almost here, many people are thinking about dressing up their pets in fun costumes and welcoming neighbourhood kids to the door. Many dogs, and even a few cats, love the revelry while others fear the sky is falling. How can we make sure our animal buddies enjoy (or, at least, tolerate) Halloween while making sure they remain safe and secure?

Over the past few days, I've received many email warnings about hazards to pets at this time of year. Between choking on costumes and poisoning-by-chocolate, it's amazing any of us expect to have a good time.

But, with just a few precautions, there is no reason why all two and four-legged creatures can't emerge unscathed during pumpkin days.

As for pumpkins, they're not poisonous to animals, but they're not toys, either. Take care that pieces of carved-out pumpkin don't skid across the floor and end up in your dog's mouth where it can become a choking hazard.

And if a candle is used in the pumpkin or anywhere in the house, place it in a safe location away from wagging tails and curious paws.

Decorations inside or outside the house should be displayed with pets' safety in mind. Electrical cords must be kept off the ground to avoid your pet becoming entangled, or chewing the cord which can cause electrical shock.

Chocolate contains a chemical called "theobromine" which is toxic to dogs, but how dangerous is it?

Baker's chocolate contains the highest amount of this chemical at 390mg per ounce. Semi-sweet contains 150mg/oz. and milk chocolate contains the least at 44mg/oz. Just 2 oz. of Baker's chocolate would pose a serious health risk to a 15lb. dog.

Signs of chocolate toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, trembling and in severe cases, seizure and death.

Other candies aren't necessarily poisonous, but all can cause tummy upsets and plastic or paper wrappers and lollipop sticks can cause choking or rupture of the intestines, which can be fatal. Raisins and grapes can cause kidney failure in dogs and possibly in cats as well.

Supervise children to make sure they don't share any of their treats with pets.

Unless you're available to supervise, keep pets indoors in the days surrounding Halloween. There will always be cruel people in the world who seek to harm animals and this time of year tends to bring out the worst.

Many animal shelters refuse to adopt out cats (especially black cats) at this time of year.

Now it's time to talk costumes. There are some wonderful costumes available for pets these days and, if your animal companion enjoys dressing up, go ahead.

Use the same precautions as you would for a human toddler. Make sure costume material doesn't cover the eyes, create a tripping hazard, or include any bits and pieces that could cause choking.

Party animal or party pooper? Some pets are party animals and thoroughly enjoy any and all frantic activities. If your dog or cat loves to get in on the action, make sure a baby gate or similar type of barrier is in place to stop your pet from jumping into the arms of an unsuspecting child, or rushing into the street.

If your furry buddy clings to the falling sky theory, set up a quiet place for him in advance of the festivities. A room far away from the front door, perhaps with soft background music, will be most suitable in this case. Some animals can become extremely upset when their homes are invaded by too much noise and activity. Stress can cause potential injury as the pet tries to escape. The sight of people in costumes (even people who are known to the animal) can cause fear, which may result in aggressive behaviour in a normally laid-back dog or cat.

Lack of appetite and even diarrhea and vomiting can also be a result of stress. If Halloween is too overwhelming for your pet, take all the necessary precautions to make sure he or she is kept comfortably quiet and far away from the revellers.

Do you have a question, comment or suggestion you'd like to submit to UrbanAnimal? I'd love to hear from you! Please contact me at jacque-newman@rogers.com