VENICE, Fla. (WWSB) - Ghosts, goblins, and things that go bump in the night may be thrilling to us humans, but perhaps not to our pets.
Veterinarian Dr. Michael Herrington, of Laurel Road Veterinary Clinic in Venice, FL, said when it comes to dressing your dog in a costume, every dog is different, and it's about making the right choice for your dog and knowing if your dog is going to be scared.
"They're not used to that sort of thing, they're not going to know what that means, even though you're trying to be cute." said Dr. Herrington.
"If a pet is gonna be afraid, or try to run away from a costume." Explained Dr. Herrington, "Then you just have to say, too bad, they don't want to wear it. It ould have been cute, but it's just not mean to be."
Dr. Herrington also warns of the candy dropped or discarded by trick or treaters.
Dr. Herringon expanded, "Not only chocolate,and things that could potentially get stuck in them, but artificial sweeteners like sugar free gum, stuff like that are potentially toxic to pets also."
If your pet does get into something potentially dangerous Dr. Herrington said it's best to contact the veterinarian right away.
People in costumes added Dr. Herrington look different from a dog or cats point of view, and they may not even recognize mom or dad.
"They tend to see, or pick up people more by like hearing and smelling than they do by sight." Said Dr. Herrington.
For pets explained Dr. Herrington, It's fear of the unknown, loud noises, sudden movements.
Supplements said Dr. Herrington may work well for your dog, "One called psylio, that's a gel you smear on the gums, it allays fear without tranquilization. It works in about 30-minutes and lasts for about three hours."
Dr. Herrington suggested keeping pets in a back room during the witching hours, or using the universal sign for no candy, leave your front porch lights off.
