The spooky holiday is quickly approaching.
Please be mindful of your pet’s safety. 

1. Lock Candy Away: 

Kids love to stash candy in their rooms, but a dog’s keen sense of smell will lead him to even the most cleverly hidden treasure. Contact a veterinary professional right away if your pet does get into Halloween candy, especially if it contains chocolate or is sugar-free and contains xylitol.

2. Have Pets Identified and Visible: 

There are a lot of extra people on the streets at Halloween, and that combined with strange costumes can spook pets and cause them to bolt. If you take your pet out after dark, make sure he or she wears a reflective collar and is securely leashed. And make sure your pet has proper identification on the collar.

3. Keep Pets Calm: 

Even pets who are kept indoors may experience intense anxiety over the large number of strangely dressed visitors. Keeping your pet away from trick-or-treaters may do the trick, but if you think more will be needed be sure and speak with your vet well in advance about options to help calm your pet.

4. Check Those Costumes:

Costumes can be fun for the whole family. However, if you are planning on dressing up your best bud, ensure that the costume fits well and isn’t going to slip and tangle the pet or cause a choking hazard if chewed on. And never leave a costumed pet unattended.

- From your friends at Old Lyme Veterinary Hospital

...did someone say turkey?!

1. Take Out The Trash: 

Some pets are known to be mischievous and cannot resist the delicious smells of leftover food from Thanksgiving. Be sure to remove your trash to avoid any choking hazards, such as small bones from turkey.

2. Proper Identification: 

When guests are visiting for the holidays, pets can escape through doors that frequently open and close. Be sure to review your pet's microchip information and identification tags in the event of an emergency.  

3. Will you be boarding your pet?:

Many families are busy visiting loved ones during the holiday season and many pets require boarding arrangements. Be sure to call your veterinarian and ensure your pet has had all the recommended vaccinations and care before departing for vacation. If your pet requires medication, be sure to ask for refills before their boarding arrangement.  

-From your friends at Old Lyme Veterinary Hospital