Howl-o-Ween at the ADL!!

So let me just fess up right now … I LOVE Halloween.  It’s the tie of year where you can be whatever you want to be!  Once again the Animal Defense League invites you to come enjoy our free Halloween event.  From 4 pm to 6:30 pm tomorrow, we will be hosting all sorts of fun at the ADL (11300 Nacogdoches Road).  We’ll have trick-or-treating for the kids, carnival games, a costume contest and you can even get a festive picture taken!  We’ll also do Paw & Palm Readings for you and your pet!  Definitely come in costume … your dog as well!  If you do bring a dog, make sure it is leashed at all times and is wearing is vaccination tags!

Like I said, I love everything about Halloween from the candy and costumes to the scary movies and the pranks (harmless of course).  But my dogs, well, not so much.  My two dachshunds have never really been thrilled with dressing up in costumes so I never force them into one.  My rescue dog, Tyler, is another story,  He’ll wear a costume happily … until he finally gets around to chewing on it.  So while he might make a cameo at tomorro’w Halloween bash, I’ll leave the doxies at home.  With that in mind let’s chat a bit about Halloween Safety for your pets.

1. Never force your dog to dress up!  Like my doxies, if your dog isn’t feeling that cute hot dog or pirate wear you got him, don’t make him wear it.
2. Make sure the costume fits!  If the cape is too long or the hat is too big, the dog could trip, get injured or just pull it off easily.  The costume should never be too tight or restrict the animal’s movement, sight or hearing.  If your pet doesn’t like the costume, go with a festive bandanna instead!
3. No matter what the costume is … make sure you dog/cat has on ID tags and rabies tags!  That way if he/she gets lost someone can reach you.  A microchip is also a great way for a lost pet to find its way home.
4. Put your pets in a back room if you’re staying home for trick-or-treaters.  Seeing people in costumes can be scary for them too!  Also, that will prevent them from darting outside every time you open the door.
5. Keep the treats up high!  Candy (especially chocolate) can be txic for your pets, so make sure it stays out of their reach!