With Halloween 2020 just three days away, it is essential to ensure your safety and that of your family and pets as you finalize plans for the evening’s costumes and activities, whether virtual or in-person. Dogs suffering from hip dysplasia, depending on the severity, may require special attention to prevent exacerbating their condition.
We invite you to continue reading to learn Halloween’s history and ways to ensure your pets remain safe.
The History of Halloween
According to History, Halloween began more than 2,000 years ago with the Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced “sow-in”). It was a time for celebration as the harvest had ended, and a new year was beginning. Bonfires were built, and costumes were worn to ward off spirits during the festival as well.
Fast forward to the adoption of All Saint’s Day, also called All Hallows and later All-Hallows Eve, in the ninth-century. Halloween evolved from All-Hallows Eve.
The day is now celebrated with various festivities ranging from carving, stenciling, or painting pumpkins; dressing in costume; and trick-or-treating. The National Retail Federation lists dressing pets, whether felines or canines, in costumes resembling anything from delivery drivers to hot dogs one of the most popular activities.
That brings us to an essential safety tip. If you are one of the more than 266 thousand people planning to dress your pet in a costume, make sure it is the appropriate size and only keep it on your pet for a minimal amount of time, such as the time it takes to snap a few photos of your best friend.
Additional Ways to Keep Your Pets Safe
Keep Treats Out of Reach
Please remember that candy is for human consumption only. Many sweets, especially all forms of chocolate, can be hazardous to the health of your pet. The Humane Society of the United States recommends keeping the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center hotline handy, just in case: (888) 426-4435.
Keep Your Pet on a Leash
While it would best to secure your pets indoors, make sure they are leashed if you plan to take them out. Leashing your dog, especially if diagnosed with hip dysplasia, is crucial regardless of the time of year or activity. You should also ensure that the information on your dog’s ID tags and microchip registration is up-to-date.
Canine Hip Dysplasia Treatment
Global Veterinary Specialists recognize that dogs and cats encounter orthopedic injuries, disabling difficulties, and diseases that can affect their lives.
Each GVS surgeon has more than twenty years’ experience handling the most complex problems, including hip dysplasia, that may arise in your pets.
We are teachers, mentors, inventors, clinical researchers, and surgeons driven to achieve excellence for every animal.
Please contact us today to learn how we can help restore your four-legged family member’s quality of life.
