As the spookiest night of the year approaches, your pets might not share the same enthusiasm for the celebrations as you do. On Halloween, our furry friends can easily find the tricks and treats to be more than they bargained for. The Denver Department of Public Health & Environment and Denver Animal Protection (DAP) is shedding light on the measures pet owners can take to protect their companions from the festivities' frights. "Be aware that people dressed in costumes and masks—even people they know—may scare your pet or cause uncertainty," warns DAP, as per the City and County of Denver, emphasizing the need for a calm sanctuary for pets amid the holiday excitement.
DAP cautions that Halloween costumes, as popular as they are among pet owners, could negatively impact their pets' well-being. With an expected spend of around $700 million on pet costumes in 2024, it's vital to recognize that these outfits may cause stress, overheating, and impaired vision for animals. "If they don’t seem to love the costume, it’s best to take it off," DAP advises, suggesting that something as simple as a festive bandana could be a safer option. Additionally, they stress the importance of microchipping and ID tags to ensure that if a pet does escape, their journey home will be swift and secure.
Chocolate and sweets, essential staples for human Halloween fiends, pose significant risks for pets, particularly dogs. The consumption of chocolate can result in severe health issues, including seizures and vomiting due to an inability to process theobromine. "The higher the concentrations of cocoa, the worse the reaction," highlights DAP, according to the City and County of Denver, noting that the artificial sweetener xylitol is equally hazardous. A drop in blood sugar and potential liver damage are among the critical concerns that come with dogs ingesting xylitol.
Party decorations present their own set of dangers for our animal companions. DAP issues a warning regarding the potential for harm from holiday foods, open flames, and party decorations. A pet's playful nature, exemplified by the casual flick of a tail, could easily result in a disastrous fire if candles or lit jack-o'-lanterns are within reach. "Keep holiday foods, candles, and lit jack-o’-lanterns out of your dog’s or cat’s reach," they remind us, drawing attention to the broader scope of holiday hazards that pet owners should be aware of.
Amid the suggestions for animal safety, the Denver Animal Shelter is sweetening the deal with a Halloween promotion. Offering a hauntingly low adoption fee, they're hoping that those needing a furry friend to share the ghoulish season will take advantage of reduced prices. According to an article on the shelter's website, "Denver Animal Shelter is offering spooky, low adoption fees of just $31 for any dog over 1 year old." For those interested in growing their family with a new pet, the shelter’s website lists all available animals.
