Halloween: Top 10 Safety Tips for Pet Parents
Attention, animal lovers, it’s almost the spookiest night of the year! The ASPCA recommends taking some common sense precautions this Halloween to keep you and your pet safe.
- No tricks, no treats: That bowl of candy is for trick-or-treaters, not for Scruffy and Fluffy. Chocolate in all forms—especially dark or baking chocolate—can be very dangerous for dogs and cats. Candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can also cause problems. If you do suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Popular Halloween plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn are considered to be relatively nontoxic, but they can produce stomach upset in pets that nibble on them.
- Wires and cords from electric lights and other decorations should be kept out of reach of your pets. If chewed, your pet might suffer cuts or burns, or receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock.
- A carved pumpkin certainly is festive, but do exercise caution if you choose to add a candle. Pets can easily knock a lit pumpkin over and cause a fire. Curious kittens especially run the risk of getting burned or singed by candle flames.
- Dress-up can be a big mess-up for some pets. Please don’t put your dog or cat in a costume UNLESS you know he or she loves it (yup, a few pets are real hams!). For pets that prefer their “birthday suits,” however, wearing a costume may cause undue stress.
- If you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume isn’t annoying or unsafe. It should not constrict the animal’s movement or hearing, or impede his ability to breathe, bark or meow. Also, be sure to try on costumes before the big night. If your pet seems distressed, allergic or shows abnormal behavior, consider letting him go au natural or donning a festive bandana.
- Take a closer look at your pet’s costume and make sure it does not have small, dangling or easily chewed-off pieces that he could choke on. Also, ill-fitting outfits can get twisted on external objects or your pet, leading to injury.
- All but the most social dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room away from the front door during peak trick-or-treating hours. Too many strangers can be scary and stressful for pets.
- When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, take care that your cat or dog doesn’t dart outside.
- IDs, please! Always make sure your dog or cat has proper identification. If for any reason your pet escapes and becomes lost, a collar and tags and/or a microchip can be a lifesaver, increasing the chances that he or she will be returned to you.
Featured dog- Shadow
Shadow is approx. 1 year old and is a border collie/Australian shepherd blend. Beautiful black and white coloration. Shadow is learning his basic commands and doing well on a leash. As a herding breed he will need plenty of exercise and family to keep him busy.
Other available dogs
Jacks- shar pei blend. Great dog. Super friendly, loves everyone
Featured Cats- Coco & Jeno
7 month old brothers came to shelter when their family moved and they could not go with them to the new home. These two are very friendly, calm and easily handled. They love attention and to be petted and loved. They are very calm and easy going. Both cats have beautiful muted colors. It would be nice to have them adopted together if possible.
Other available cats
Paris- quiet laid back. special diet
Mr. Whiskers- 8 yr Large cat. Loves watching the world go by
Katy- Beautiful soft coat. Quiet loves attention
Sissy-Bright calico coat. Friendly and playful. Carries toys around in her mouth
Carmex- Beautiful colors. Sweet and friendly Loves being petted.
Jazzy- 15 yr quiet cat. Loves attention and being with people
Morris- 10 + Declawed. likes head pets
Cloudy- 10 yrs ex large Declawed Loves being petted and will come when called
Nala- shy still getting used to being at shelter and the change in her life
All animals will be spayed or neutered prior to leaving shelter and receive 1 year rabies vaccination and city license. Ages are approximate.
The City of Mesquite Animal Shelter located at 795 Hardy Way is open for adoptions from 8:30 am until 4 pm, Monday through Friday, Saturday 11am-1pm , Sunday 1pm -3pm. Please call – Animal Control may be reached by phone or voicemail at 702-346-5268
The animals submitted to the media may have changed so please visit our Petfinder website for a current listing and more detailed information on the animals. www.mesquiteanimalshelter.petfinder.com
Please also check our Facebook pages for lost and found animals along with pet information. https://www.facebook.com/MesquiteNVAnimalControl and https://www.facebook.com/FRIENDSOFMESQUITENVANIMALSHELTER