Halloween is a fun day for the entire family, including our dogs. It’s so cute to see them all dressed up in the latest Halloween haute couture and posing for the annual family snapshots. But Halloween can also be a stressful and dangerous time for Fido. Keeping him and others safe should be our number one concern. Here are some Halloween safety tips for our costumed canine companions.
Canine Costumes – Since many dogs may not share our excitement for their new Halloween duds, be sure their costume does not contain anything that can easily be chewed off and swallowed. If you’re dressing up and your dog and taking him out Trick-or-Treating with you, there are some safety concerns to keep in mind as well. Keep him tightly leashed and close to you at all times, and make sure his costume contains reflective materials so that he is easily seen and safe from traffic.
Ghosts and Goblins – If Spot is the type who startles easily, you may want to consider leaving him at home. Hoards of strangely dressed, exuberant children in masks may stress him and cause him to act atypically. The last thing you want is for him to nip the Little Mermaid as she innocently approaches for a friendly pat on the head.
Scared Children – Even if your dog loves kids, remember that not all kids love dogs. Some are deathly afraid of all dogs, regardless of size or temperament. This is a day for children to enjoy, so keep Fido at a safe distance from any children who seem fearful.
Be Prepared for Pick Up – Even though your Halloween expedition is different from your daily walks, chances are, your pooch may need to poop. Be sure you are prepared to pick up after him and have a plan for disposal or storage until you get back home.
Doorbells – Even if your dog is staying home on Halloween night, he may still be at risk for extreme stress. My dogs get uber excited when the doorbell rings, and Halloween night is really stressful for them. I stow them away in an upstairs bedroom and turn on the television loudly to drown out the sound of the doorbell.
Don’t Share the Sugar – As tempting as it may be, make sure your kids know that they shouldn’t share their Halloween booty with Fido. Sugar can make a dog very ill, and chocolate can sometimes even be fatal.
Including your dog in the family’s Halloween fun can be a great way to celebrate and make lasting family memories. Just be sure your primary concern is safety, and a good time will be had by all. Trick-or-treat!
More from Cherri:
Feeding Your Dog on Car Trips
What Should You Do with Your Dog While You’re at Work?
How to “Treat” Your Dog Without Compromising His Health