ORANGE PARK, Fla. – As Halloween approaches, Clay Humane, a nonprofit veterinary clinic in Orange Park, is encouraging pet owners to keep their pets safe on Oct. 31.
"We see a lot of dogs and cats suffering from stomach and digestive problems around Halloween," said Dr. Christian Broadhurst, senior staff veterinarian at Clay Humane. "While it may seem fun to share treats with Fido or Mittens, some of our favorite Halloween traditions can hurt your pets. By following a few simple steps, you can keep your furry friends out of the veterinarian's office."
Broadhurst recommends the following tips to keep pets safe on Halloween:
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Can the Costumes: Pet costumes may contain parts pets can easily chew off, causing choking. Some costumes may also stop your pet from breathing, seeing, hearing or moving, so it is best to avoid dressing pets in costumes. If you decide to dress up your pet, make sure the costume fits comfortably and never leave pets unsupervised while wearing costumes.
If you suspect your pet has ingested chocolate or candy containing xylitol, contact your veterinarian immediately. Also contact your veterinarian should your animal experience burns or injuries from costumes. Should your pet go missing, contact the animal control division of your local city for assistance locating your pet.