Halloween can be a spooky time for dogs! Trick or treat falls on a Friday this year, so ghouls and goblins may stay out longer, prolonging the potential anxiety for your pets.
The following tips will help both you and Fido survive “Fright Night”
(1). Keep your dog inside and preferably in a quiet, separate room, away from the front door. The sound of the doorbell ringing will undoubtedly promote barking and the innate pack instinct to protect the family from strangers…especially if they are dressed in weird costumes and making strange (spooky) noises!
(2). Keep candy, especially chocolate, out of nose or paw’s reach!
(3). Make sure your dog has a collar and I.D. tag with current information (have you changed your phone number and not changed Fido’s tag yet?)
Some dogs will be sufficiently scared to attempt escape or may slip out the door during the commotion. Micro-chipping is a good idea too!
(4). Keep a close eye on candles burning in the pumpkins. Best practice is to buy the LED-or battery style candles if you want to minimize risk yet still have glowing Jack-O-Lanterns for décor.
(5). If you like to dress your dog for Halloween, choose a costume that allows plenty of breathing room. Avoid costume adornments that can be chewed off, choked on or swallowed. A reflective costume is also a good idea.
(6). Send your own kids out the door WITHOUT their scary masks on.
(7). If you take your dog with you while trick-or-treating, stay on the sidewalks or driveways to avoid what might jump out at them at the door. Many homeowners like to dress in costume and spook the kids when the door is opened. Those sincere intentions may not be as well received by your dog.
Have fun, be safe and hugs for lots of treats!
Tori