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Fall pet health

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Laura Valentine
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  With fall weather approaching and Halloween around the corner, many pet owners are spending time outdoors with their furry family members.

Increased time outdoors and high levels of strange activity can lead to new cautions for new and old pet owners alike when it comes to keeping their pets comfortable and safe.

A current issue for Sumter, S.C., area pet owners is fleas.

"One of the main issues we are observing are fleas," said U.S. Army Sgt. Julie Rendon, Shaw Air Force Base AFB Veterinary Clinic animal care specialist. "There hasn't been a freeze so the fleas are sticking around and on our pets."

The vet clinic recommends protecting animals with flea and tick preventatives to help alleviate the problem and to reduce the chance of the animal getting tapeworms.

Small parasites aren't the only hazard to a family pet during the fall.

"Any holiday can cause your animal stress," said Rendon. "The main thing to remember is keep your pet indoors and away from strangers, especially those in costumes."

Although many pet owners dress their pets throughout the year, Halloween is a time where more pets are exposed to elaborate costumes.

"Dressing your animal in a costume is fun for everyone," said Rendon, "but know your pet's limits."

Rendon warns about pets becoming over stimulated because of their costume, and biting through materials, or small pieces that could become choking hazards and harm the animal.

"Pets really are just like children," she said. "They like to taste everything and if it is dangerous for them, they will definitely go straight for it."

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals official website recommends the following tips to help furry family members enjoy a safe Halloween:
  • Keep animals out of the candy bowl. 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 upset stomach in pets who nibble on them.
  • Wires and cords from electric lights and other decorations should be kept out of reach of pets. Chewing can result in cuts, burns, or a possibly life-threatening electrical shock.
  • A carved pumpkin certainly is festive, but do exercise caution if adding 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.
  • If dressing a pet in a costume, 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.
  • 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.
  • Always make sure pets have proper identification on a tag and collar or are microchipped with important information.