"NYC veterinarians from the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center share expert-approved tips to keep pets safe and stress-free this Halloween. Halloween in New York City is just as much fun for our pets as it is for our kids. Whether your furry friend is joining one of the city's many dog-friendly costume parades or tagging along for a night of trick-or-treating, it's important to keep their comfort and safety top of mind."
"Choose Safety Over Style: Costumes should allow your pet to move as easily, without blocking their vision, hearing, or breathing. Avoid costumes with small buttons, dangling decorations, or long fabric that could be chewed or tangled. Stick to simple designs that reduce the risk of tripping or choking. Choose Easy-On, Easy-Off Options: Look for costumes with Velcro closures, snaps, or soft ties that make the dress-up process quick and stress-free."
"Always Supervise: Never leave your pet unattended in a costume. Even calm pets may try to wriggle out, which could cause injury. Repurpose Everyday Gear: If your pet already wears a harness or jacket, use it as the base for a festive costume. Attaching lightweight, safe decorations to familiar gear can be less stressful than introducing something new. Consider the Weather: Pets with thick coats may overheat in heavy costumes. Choose lightweight materials and watch for signs of discomfort, like panting or lethargy. If your pet seems hot or stressed, remove the costume immediately."
Halloween can be enjoyable for pets when owners prioritize comfort and minimize hazards. Costumes must allow free movement and unobstructed vision, hearing, and breathing while avoiding small decorations and long fabrics that can be chewed or tangled. Opt for easy-on, easy-off designs like Velcro or snaps to reduce dressing stress. Never leave pets unattended in costumes and monitor for wriggling or injury. Use familiar gear such as harnesses or jackets as costume bases and attach only lightweight, secure decorations. Choose lightweight materials for thick-coated animals and remove costumes at signs of panting, lethargy, or overheating. Use positive reinforcement and gradual acclimation for costume acceptance.
Read at New York Family
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]