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Halloween With Fluffy

October 15, 2021

Halloween is coming up fast! There are seasonal decorations and motifs everywhere, and the stores are packed with candies, costumes, and trappings. Of course, your feline friend probably won’t have much of a reaction if you tell her that. Cats are very good at being unimpressed! However, this can be a dangerous time of year for kitties, so you’ll want to take some precautions to keep Fluffy safe. A Washington DC vet offers some advice on that below.


Keep Kitty In

We recommend keeping Fluffy inside all year long, as it’s really the only way to protect her from hazards like traffic and weather. That advice goes double at this time of year! The dropping temperatures, shorter days, and increased traffic all form a very hazardous combination. There’s also a danger of chemical exposure from things like pesticides, fertilizer, mold, mildew, and antifreeze. Black cats are especially at risk, due to old (and false) myths linking them to witchcraft. Play it safe, and ground the furball.


Beauty Session

As you may know, fall is one of the peak shedding times. Fluffy will lose some fur as she puts on her winter coat. Brush your fuzzy little diva daily. Removing dead hair and dander from her coat will not only keep her warmer, it will also help stop her fur from getting, well, everywhere.


Offer Quiet Spots

Not all of our feline companions are social butterflies. Some are simply scaredy-cats. If you’re hosting a Halloween event and/or expecting trick or treaters, make sure Fluffy has a quiet, comfy place to retreat to.


Decorations

Fluffy has a knack for getting into mischief, and she is often instinctively drawn to things that are dangerous for her. Keep anything that could be hazardous out of paws’ reach. This includes anything small or sharp; items with ropes and cords; toxic plants; plastic bags and ties; chemicals; medications; and candles. The candy dish is also unsafe for frisky felines. Chocolate is toxic to Fluffy, as are many other sweets. Plus, hard candies and candy wrappers present choking hazards.


Enjoy Some Snuggles

Did you know that cats sleep even more than usual when it’s cold or dreary out? Fluffy is a perfect snuggle buddy for chilly autumn nights. Get some R&R with your adorably drowsy pet!


As your Washington DC veterinary clinic, we are dedicated to offering great care. Contact us anytime!

Poison Prevention Week starts March 20th. This is a very important topic for anyone with pets. There are over 232,000 cases of pet poisonings in the US every year! Our furry friends don't know what is and isn't safe for them, so you'll need to take some precautions to keep your beloved pet safe. A Washington DC vet lists some ways to prevent pet poisoning in this article. Keep Cabinets Locked Many toxic chemicals and household products are stored in cabinets, often underneath sinks. Keeping these locked is a simple step that can prevent tragedy. Keep in mind that your four-legged friend doesn't have to actually eat or drink these substances. Because most animals lick themselves clean, they only need to walk through it or get it spilled on their fur to ingest it. Choose Non-Toxic Plants Plants are one of the most common culprits when it comes to pet poisoning. While there are many that are dangerous to all pets, others are more toxic to some animals than to others. For instance, lilies are extremely dangerous to cats, while Sago palms are a huge risk for dogs. Check the ASPCA site here for a list of safe and unsafe plants. Know The Warning Signs Although the signs of poison ingestion can vary, depending on the pet and the type and amount of substance involved, there are some common red flags to look for. These include vomiting, drooling, lethargy, agitation, restlessness, trembling, collapse, unusual vocalizations, and diarrhea. Pale gums are also a warning sign, as is a rapid heartbeat or shallow breathing. Cats may withdraw, while dogs may pace or whimper. It’s worth noting that while these things can be indicative of many medical issues, they should always constitute a call to the vet. Understand The Dangers It's also important to know what is and isn't poisonous. Some things, such as household chemicals, antifreeze, and rodenticides, are well-known. Others? Not so much. For instance, many people don’t know that a single grape or raisin can be extremely dangerous to dogs. Medication is also a common source of poisoning. Ask your vet for more information. Training This one applies more to dogs, of course. However, consider teaching Fido to Leave It. This simple command could help prevent tragedy! Do you have questions about your pet's health or safety? Contact us, your Washington DC animal clinic, today!

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