Timi Talks

Posted By Timi on October 21, 2009

Top Halloween Dangers…and what to do if they happen!

• 1. CANDY, CHOCOLATE and GUM. Keep those candy bowls, and your children’s stash out of reach! Most people know the fatal consequences of chocolate, but many aren’t aware of the serious dangers of candy in general. First of all, there is the danger of choking. Most hard candy is the perfect size to get lodged in a dog’s throat, but there is also the highly toxic danger of artificial sweetners (i.e. Xylitol). Poison control centers warn that just 1-2 pieces of gum or a single piece of candy with Xylitol causes severe blood sugar level drops resulting in hypoglycemia. Consuming more can cause liver failure. The toxicity levels that chocolate, candy and gum create in your pet’s system is swift and can be fatal in less than 30 minutes. What to do if it happens? Try to induce vomit and get to a vet/hospital immediately! If possible, have someone ride with you so that you can drive while they are attempting to induce vomit.
  
  
• 2. WRAPPERS. It’s important to teach children about doggie dangers too, and instruct them that all wrappers should go in the trash immediately. Candy wrappers will attract your dog because of the scent and remnants. Wrappers can get lodged in your dog’s intestines creating a need for surgical care and they are yet another choking possibility for your beloved. What to do if it happens? Know how to perform the Heimlich maneuver on a dog! If you don’t already know, learn now because as Oprah Winfrey learned, when her dog died from choking on a toy ball while onlookers watched helplessly, it is devastating to watch your dog suffer and die in such a preventable manner. While many states would frown upon this and, in a “legally responsible” sense I can not (and am not) recommending that you do it - I personally, speaking for myself, would call 911 on speaker as I performed the procedure. When an operator answered, I would honestly declare that “my baby was choking“! (Hey! I am a mom and I love my boys as much as if I birthed them myself!)
  
  
• 3. TRICK OR TREAT - ESCAPES. Trick and treaters create a need for us to open our doors frequently throughout the night. Whether your four-legged family member sneaks out unnoticed, or you see the great escape, you may not be able to catch him in time. Shelters often have a high intake of “stray” dogs during holidays. If your dog does end up in a shelter, then s/he will at least be “safe” (except from airborne diseases and fear) until you can pick them up. The greater danger is on the street. Halloween often encourages rowdy drivers to be in our neighborhoods…and “rowdy people” are the next warning…
  
  
• 4. GHOULISH CRUELTY! Sad as it is, there are evil, cruel and ignorant human animals out there. Halloween is just another excuse for them to harm, torture, injure or kill those that we love. Black animals (especially cats) are especially susceptible due to “sacrificing practices” on all hallows eve; but it is not limited to that. Whether alcohol driven, or just sheer evilness, small animals are helpless victims that deranged cowards actually enjoy inflicting harm and watching them suffer in fear and pain. Please do not allow your vulnerable family member(s) to fall victim. Keep them INSIDE THE HOUSE and with you. Perhaps fence off an area around the front door so that your little one can not dash out unexpectedly. What to do if it happens? Stop everything. Grab a cell phone and run! Run after them. Recruit all trick & treaters (adults) in area. Call family and friends to begin making flyers and posting them promptly as everyone looks. Contact your local police department and ask them to notify all active black and whites to keep an eye out for a wandering dog of the “following” description. If your dog is still missing by morning, call all shelters - hospitals - and vet offices to provide a description and ask to be notified if a “new patient” or “stray” is brought in.
  
  
• 5. SCARY FACES! Don’t forget that dogs don’t comprehend the holiday tradition as we do. A dog can be alarmed by a bike rider in a helmet and sunglasses, one can only imagine of what they feel from someone in a monster mask! It’s never funny when someone is truly scared…and since stress does invite poor health responses, we invite stress in your little one’s life. Besides, a dog can bite, or run, out of fear. It is worth it to endure a lawsuit or lost fido? What to do if it happens? If your dog shows signs of fear or stress, it’s best to remove him from the situation. If you are hosting a party or loud gathering, it’s best to confine your beloved to a safe, calm, quiet environment - such as a familiar bedroom with the comforts of his own bed and toys.
  
  
• 6. Costume Mishaps. Please be aware of your dog’s safety and comfort if you decide to dress him in costume. First of all, if your dog shows signs of distress or even irritation of wearing one, take it off. To make our vulnerable babies suffer for our own enjoyment is not OK. And some do suffer with mild panic attacks and nervous reactions that may be “subtle” enough that you could ignore, but I hope that you won’t. On the other hand, if your dog (like my Bugsy) actually doesn’t mind dressing up for the festivities then, by all means - bring out the Pumpkin, Devil…Angel - just make sure that the costume is safe. Check for pieces that can be bitten or torn off and cause your dog to choke. Make sure that his/her breathing, hearing and eyesight isn’t impaired. Whether indoors or out, please also ensure that your dog isn’t too hot from the costume choice.
  
  
• 7. Decorations. Dogs love to explore and “sniff” out anything new. Please be conscience of the decorations you choose and that are accessible to your pets. Not just for the choking and ingestion possibilities, but cords not properly tucked away can entice your dog to chew - or even trip - on them inviting a shocking injury! Pumpkins and Jack-O-Lanterns are another danger. Candles, well - hello! Even if a knocked over candle doesn’t burn the house down, it can certainly burn your little one, but even just a pumpkin can wreak havoc. Many dogs love pumpkin and enjoy it in treats or even out of a can as a small snack, but a whole pumpkin?! Neither of you will appreciate the consequences.

At the end of the day, ENJOY THE HOLIDAY…just keep the safety of your canine children in mind! Happy Halloween!!!!!!

Categories: Holiday Tips & Warnings, Safety
Tags: choking dog, Dog safety, dog treats, Halloween, holiday safety, Pet Health Welfare