Surprising Uses for Pumpkins - Happy Halloween!

Pumpkins, costumes, and scary skeletons - it's October! Here are some tips so that both you and your pets can enjoy the holiday in style.

Photo credit: Mike McCune www.flickr.com

---

Pumpkins are for more than pie
Did you know that pets can enjoy eating pumpkin right along with you? It is a healthy addition to food for many pets. Dogs, cats, parrots, many reptiles, rabbits, and small mammals can all benefit from pumpkin.

• Natural remedy for diarrhea or constipation: Pumpkin has a high fiber content that draws water into the colon. This will absorb the excess water from diarrhea to create more formed stool, and soften hard constipated stool to make it more flexible and easier to pass. Start with adding a couple tablespoons of cooked or canned plain pumpkin (not the pie mix) for cats and smaller dogs and 1/4 - 1/2 cup per meal for larger pets, then adjust as necessary.
• Vitamin-filled treat: rabbits, guinea pigs, other small mammals, and many reptiles can snack on cooked or raw pumpkin. If feeding raw, wash thoroughly and cube or shred the flesh to make it easier to eat. Keep quantities small since it can cause diarrhea if suddenly eaten in large quantities. 
• Bird Enrichment: many parrots will enjoy the whole pumpkin inside and out. Wash the outside carefully to remove any pesticide residue (buy organic if you can). Remove the top and cut holes in the side if you want to, then watch your parrot climb and feast. The seeds and flesh can be eaten raw or cooked, just remember not to salt the seeds if you're roasting them. Don't be alarmed if the stool turns orange and is a bit looser than usual after a pumpkin meal.

Photo credit: Eric Kilby www.flickr.com

No Tricks, Only Treats
Follow these 3 steps for a happy Halloween for the whole family, pets included.

• Costumes: While it’s tempting to want to capture adorable photos of your pet celebrating a holiday, not every animal enjoys wearing clothing and costumes. Make the first training session short with lots of treats and praise. If your pet is trying to remove the costume or seem stressed, impatient, or uncomfortable, don’t force it. You don’t want them to feel anxious or display aggressive behavior because they dislike being dressed up. 

Photo credit: katiebread www.flickr.com

• Candy: Halloween is synonymous with candy, so it's likely we'll all have an abundance of chocolate and candy laying around. These items can be incredibly dangerous to pets and lead to vomiting, diarrhea, or the need for emergency veterinary care. To avoid these scenarios, always keep candy out of reach and keep your eyes on your pet throughout the evening.​

Photo credit: Petful www.flickr.com

• Trick-or-treaters: Halloween often brings dozens of children to your door asking for treats. While this ritual can be fun for the family, your pet may feel otherwise. To ensure they don’t run out the door when visitors arrive, keep them contained away from the front door. If the sound of the doorbell and the sight of strangers leads to anxiety or barking, consider an alternative like greeting trick-or-treaters in the driveway or setting candy out on the doorstep with instructions to avoid ringing the bell. Check to make sure your pet is wearing a collar with ID tags and your microchip contact info is up to date in case they do escape. If your pet is particularly anxious, visit us in advance to discuss ways to soothe him. ​