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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, take care that your cat or dog doesn’t dart outside.
  10. 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- Sparky

7 years old. He loves people and just being your friend. Sparky needs help with some of his training. He does bark for attention if alone. He has had a recent dental cleaning and is current on all his vaccinations. A home where he would not be alone would be his dream. A home with no steps would be the best  for him.

Other available dogs

Peanut- Senior border collie/beagle blend. He will do best in a quiet home with no children or other animals. He is happy to stay by your side and watch TV.

 

Koda- He needs someone who will help him with his weight loss program. He needs to get plenty of exercise and a monitored diet. He loves going for walks and is very strong.

 

Willie-Pit bull terrier. Likes to cuddle and get belly rubs. Likes being with people.

 

Ziggy- Dutch shepherd. Beautiful brindle markings. Shy needs a little time to feel comfortable with surroundings.

 

Sadie- Pit bull terrier. Lots of energy and very strong. she likes to play and be with people.

Featured Cat- Izzy

Izzy is a great cat. She is very laid back and shy and prefers to watch everything and everyone from the sidelines. She will come for attention and some love but is not a lap cat. She would do best in a quiet home.

Other available cats

Meg – Calico Friendly. Plays with toys. Very laid back. Loves being brushed. Talkative.

Magnus – SPECIAL NEEDS. Magnus has a slight neurological problem. He “wobbles” when he walks, this does not deter him from playing and running and jumping. He is on special medication twice daily to help him.

Zeus – 3 months gray/white tabby Full of kitten energy. Loves to play and run

Apollo – 3 months  black/white Full of kitten energy. Loves to play and run

 

The City of Mesquite Animal Shelter located at 795 Hardy Way is open for adoptions from 8:00 am until 4 pm Monday through Friday (excluding holidays), Saturday 11am-1pm , Sunday 1pm -3pm. Please call – Animal Control may be reached by phone or voicemail at 702-346-5268 

All animals will be spayed or neutered prior to leaving shelter and receive 1 year rabies vaccination and city license. Ages are approximate.

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