We will have an update in next week’s article on our popular Toast to the Animals that just took place Saturday night (Oct. 19). It was a wonderful evening full of businesses, family and friends coming together to celebrate the pets in our lives and enjoy a festive evening of food, door prizes, wine and beer samples and many amazing silent auction items.
Halloween is just around the corner, so it’s not too late to consider pet safety for this time of year. Dogs and cats can become very anxious Halloween night with all of the activity. If at all possible, leave your pet in a quiet, comfortable room away from all the trick-or-treaters. Leave plenty of water, a few treats, toys and a radio or television on, and this will help keep your pet calm and safe until your doors are locked and lights are turned off.
Please don’t give your pets candy, especially chocolate, which can be very dangerous and even lethal. Chocolate, when ingested by pets, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate and seizures. Also, the artificial sweetener xylitol can be poisonous to dogs. It can also cause a sudden drop in blood pressure.
Pumpkins are a hallmark of Halloween, but if pets decide to have one for a snack, a pumpkin can cause terrible gastric problems so it’s best to keep them away from them. Use caution if you have lit pumpkins. Cats and dogs are very curious, and could get burnt or have a fire. Many pets are curious about electrical cords, so we need to be careful with them. If a pet bit into an electrical cord, it could cause a life-threatening shock.
Always, always have identification on your pet and make sure all the information is current. Microchipping is now very popular and a wonderful way to identify your missing pet immediately.
Consider stopping by the Central Aroostook Humane Society if you are looking for a new furry family member. We have many wonderful and loving pets available for adoption. Our hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please be responsible: spay and neuter your pets.
Carolyn Cheney is a member of the board of directors of the Central Aroostook Humane Society.
