With only ten days left to put together your best costumes, be sure to keep your pets in mind as you make Halloween plans. Many Richmond events include pet costume contests, including the annual Cat Tales & Cocktails benefit at the Richmond SPCA. It’s quite a treat to see dogs content to become cheerleaders, bumblebees or even hotdogs for the evening. Other pets may not be eager wear anything beyond their usual leash and collar.

Make sure your Halloween doesn’t produce any horrors for your four-legged friends:

·      Even if your pet is a real angel (or a little devil) every day of the year, he may not be ready to suit up in a Halloween costume.  Unless you know Fido is prepared to sport a costume, pass on playing dress-up.  Some pets may be game, but for those who prefer to be au naturale, costuming can cause unneeded stress.

·      If you do decide on a costume for Fido, examine each piece carefully to be sure it is safe. Avoid any costume that constricts your pet’s movement or hearing, or interferes with his ability to breathe or bark. Be especially diligent in watching out for small, dangling or easily chewed off pieces that may pose a choking hazard.

·      Make an extra inspection of Fluffy’s costume to be sure she can see. Even usually angelic pets may be easily spooked when their vision is obstructed.

·      Your pet, especially if he’s a new addition to the family, may not recognize you or your children in Halloween costumes, so let him get used to the new you one piece at a time.  Give yourself lots of time to get dressed, and let your pet accept you.

I wish I could go to cat tales but I must work in order to provide for my ferals. I hope it is a huuuge success and lots of fun. purr~

Thanks! Robin Starr & the R-SPCA, I couldn’t help the community with TNR,if not for your feral cat program.

Post Your Comments:

Commenting is not available in this weblog entry.