Trick for Treats! And some friendly advice too!

Who says your dogs can't enjoy Halloween!?!?!? Your kids go Trick or Treating and the dogs can do Tricks for Treats! :) I'm so glad the fall season is here, it means I can bust out the apple cider scents, the light up pumpkins and Halloween decor and wake up every morning to a layer of fog surrounding everything. Check out my Etsy shop for some delicious holiday treats that your pup is sure to enjoy. Right now I have a selection of pumpkin flavored treats and will soon be unveiling some more scrumptious "brew some cocoa, curl up in a blanket by the fire and nibble on some fudge" kinda goodies! :)

The advocate side of me will be featured in the later part of this blog :) Just like that annoying stranger in the check out line at the grocery store who tries to give you parenting advice, I'm going to give you some pet owner advice. Completely optional, but highly recommended!!!!!

A few friendly tips for you and your pets during this Fall/Winter season.

HOUSING:
Be sure to provide proper shelter for your pets. If your pooch is lucky to be a strictly indoor pet, their bed or crate should be kept in a warm, draft-free area, elevated slightly off the floor. If your pet is kept outdoors, provide a warm insulated pet house or shelter. The house should be elevated enough so that moisture cannot accumulate inside. Or better yet, bring them inside (or at least into the garage.)

FROSTBITE:
Remove ice and snow from your pet's paws and coat immediately! Frostbitten skin may turn reddish, white or gray, and it may be scaly or sloughing. If you think your dog might have frostbite, take your pet to a warm place immediately. Thaw out frostbitten areas slowly by applying warm, moist towels that are changed frequently. Continue until the affected areas become flushed. DO NOT FORGET TO CALL THE VET! They will probably want to evaluate the seriousness of the condition.

SNOW REMOVAL SALT:
Some substances produced to melt ice and snow have low to moderate toxicity, depending on the ingredients and amount ingested. Read the labels and take necessary precautions. Keep these products stored in tight containers out of your pet's and children's reach and be sure to remove salt from your pet's paws immediately. Aside from ingesting these items, walking on them is harmful too! You wouldn't want to walk on that stuff, why would your dogs?

FOOD:
Staying warm requires extra calories (no wonder why we gorge on Thanksgiving dinner!) so make sure your pets are eating enough when the temperature drops.

WATER:
Always have fresh, clean water available for your pet, it's the right thing to do! If your pet is kept outdoors, be sure to check his water frequently since it may freeze and no dog wants to lick an ice cube all day!

The holidays are quickly approaching, so here are some tips about how to keep you and your pets happy during this special time of year!

Increased activity and visitors during the holiday season can throw off your pet's routine. Try to keep your pet on their regular schedule for feeding and exercise and be sure they get plenty of love and affection!!!!

If you are planning to take your pet with you somewhere for the holiday season, be sure to contact the host in advance to find out if your pet is welcome. Because of the excitement during this season, it might be best for you as well as your pet, if you board your pet or hire a pet sitter.

Alcoholic beverages, holiday treats such as chocolates, rich, fatty food scraps and bones from poultry, pork and fish can be harmful or even deadly to pets. Keep your pet on their regular diet and caution visitors against giving your pet "special treats."

Never put ribbon or yarn around your pet's neck and do not allow your pet to play with plastic or foil wrappings or six-pack beverage holders. I'm anal about cutting the rings on the 6pk holders because I'm haunted by images of marine life getting stuck in them!!!! I've even got my husband paranoid about it!

Cover or tack down electrical cords. We may not think so, but pets sure do think cords are yummy!

PLANTS TO WATCH OUT FOR

Mistletoe - Very toxic, all parts, especially the berries.

Holly - Moderate to very toxic, especially the berries and leaves.

Poinsettia - Leaves and stems low in toxicity.

Christmas Greens such as Balsam, Juniper, Cedar, Pine and Fir - All parts of these plants have a low level of toxicity.

Keep toxic plants out of your pet's and children's reach.


HOLIDAY DECORATIONS

Bubbling Lights - Moderate to lethal toxicity, depending on the amount of fluid (methylene chloride) inhaled or ingested.

Fireplace Colors (fire salts) - Moderate toxicity; symptoms are gastrointestinal irritation with vomiting and a variety of other manifestations, including convulsions.

Angel Hair (spun glass) - Low toxicity; can cause irritation of the eyes, skin and gastrointestinal tract.

Christmas Tree Preservative Solution - Low toxicity, depending upon formulation and quantity ingested.

Snow Sprays and Snow Flock - Low toxicity, dry particles are inert; however, toxicity from inhalation can occur if sprayed directly in mouth.

Styrofoam - Low toxicity; can cause choking from mechanical obstruction.

Christmas Tree Ornaments - Non-toxic, but mechanical irritation or obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract can occur if ingested.

Icicles (tinsel) - Non-toxic, however intestinal obstruction and choking are potential problems.

Snow Scenes - Toxicity may come from organisms possibly in the water, most notably Salmonella.

Read label warnings on all decorations and take the necessary precautions to protect your pet.