With Halloween here it is important to take some safety precautions.
1. Keep candy in a secure place. Chocolate can cause irregular heartbeats, kidney failure and death. Raisins can cause kidney failure as well and should be kept out of reach. Macadamian nuts are also toxic although what component is toxic has not yet been identified. Sugar-free sweeteners are known to cause liver failure.
2. If you plan on giving out candy it's best to leave your dog in another part of the house. With the door opening and closing constantly the chance of escape increases.
3. Make sure that collars are snug and that all identification contains your current information.
4. Walks should be completed before it gets too late and trick-or-treaters are on the street. Even the most calm and stable dogs can be frightened of costumes and all the activities.
5. Dogs should be kept indoors, especially greyhounds, as not only are they poorly adapted to cope with the elements but they should be kept away from all the Halloween activities. Well-meaning children may offer then a treat not knowing that it is toxic while others may taunt them. Either way, with all the craziness of the holiday, it's best to keep them safe and quiet.
Halloween can be a lot of fun and even more so when you know that your dogs are safe and happy!