Halloween Safety for your Pet!

Halloween is here and everyone’s getting dressed up for the festivities – even our pets! Although they look adorable in their bumble bee, princess, and Spiderman costumes, it’s important to ensure you’re not sacrificing your pet’s comfort. When choosing costumes, make sure they fit properly and don’t obstruct your pet’s vision.

For cat owners, realize that decorations and party favors are tempting and can be easily swallowed. Although these items may be out of reach of the family dog, remember that your cat can access many of these locations. Common culprits include glow sticks, spider webbing, candy, and even costume accessories.

With so many trick-or-treaters coming to your door, remember to keep your cats or dogs secure in a pen, or another room. Cats, especially, are masters of dashing out open doors unnoticed. Many owners set up their candy outside and sit with their costumed pets. This is a great alternative to having to open your front door every five minutes.

So please remember the safety of your pet during your Halloween fun. It’s okay to include them in the fun, just use caution to prevent any unnecessary trips to the vet due to choking hazards or costume malfunctions.

The West Nile Virus and Your Pets

Although West Nile Virus has subsided from the daily news, it is still important for pet owners to take precautions to protect themselves and their four-legged family members. Dogs and cats can become infected with West Nile Virus when they are bitten by a contaminated mosquito. However, instances of cats contracting the virus by eating infected mice have also been documented.

Unfortunately, there is currently no vaccination for cats and dogs. However, pets which contract the disease are likely to make a full recovery. Vets will treat symptoms, which are minimal to none, and care for the pet the way they would any viral infection.

While owners can contract West Nile Virus from mosquitoes, being bitten by an infected dog or cat will not necessarily transfer the virus. Preliminary studies have shown the virus is absence from an animal’s saliva, and therefore lowers the risk of transference.

If your pet has been contaminated with West Nile Virus, it is likely the mosquitoes in your immediate area are infected. Protect yourself and your pets: wear protective clothing, avoid standing water, and use bug-repellent. Additionally, please remember that DEET-based repellents are unsafe for pets. Instead, please see your veterinarian for advice on pet-friendly repellents.

Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month!

It’s Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month and Diamond Pet Foods encourages dog owners to adopt a new member into their family. Too many adoptable dogs are euthanized every year because of a lack of available homes. With only a small donation, you can take home a wonderful dog from your local humane society.

Because of pet overpopulation, many shelters are unable to provide long-term care for animals. So instead of purchasing a puppy from a breeder or pet store, head to the humane society and open your home to a grateful pooch. The volunteers at the organization can help you find the right dog for you and your family.

Unfortunately, some pet owners are limited to purchasing purebred dogs for allergenic reasons. However, many of these dog lovers are unaware that approximately 25% of the dogs in shelters are purebred. Other ‘mutts’ may even be mixes of hypoallergenic breeds (dogs with hair instead of fur).

If you are unable to adopt a shelter dog, you can always act as a foster. Many dogs entering the humane society are injured or ill and need a home for their recovery. So whether you plan to adopt a shelter dog of your own, or just offer your home for fostering, visit your local humane society and do your part to help.