Halloween (Howl-o-ween) and Your Dog’s Safety

Posted 10/13/2017 in Pet DeFence News 0 Comments 0 Likes

Helping Your Dog Have A Safe, Fun Halloween

With Halloween just around the corner, it’s important to remember that your pets may need a little extra love and attention. No matter how outgoing your dog is, the flurry of activity surrounding trick-or-treat and Halloween parties can cause anxiety and even an opportunity to get loose and possibly injured. It’s best to be prepared for any event so that your pet will stay safe and happy.

The key is to have a good plan in place. You know your neighborhood better than anyone; if you think your pet may be the victim of a cruel prank by kids in the community around Halloween, keep him inside as much as possible. You’ll also need to communicate with your family members to make sure everyone is on the same page when it comes to your dog’s health and happiness.

There are several things to consider, but planning ahead will help you stay on top of this spooky holiday and keep everyone in your family happy. Here are a few of the best tips on how to get started.

Be careful with fire

Many families enjoy carving pumpkins for Halloween, turning them into illuminated jack-o-lanterns to light up the night. They may look pretty, but they can be very unsafe for pets and small children, so be careful about what you light up and where. If your pumpkin is inside your home, set it on a plate or piece of tin foil and keep it up off the floor when it’s lit. Outdoors, place your grinning gourds away from walkways, where they might be knocked over. For more great tips on how to prepare your home for Halloween safety, head to Redfin.com.

Keep his treats separated from yours

Dogs and chocolate are a dangerous combination, so be sure to keep all Halloween candy well away from your pet. Put it up out of his reach and keep it separated from his food and treats just to be on the safe side. According to PetMD.com, chocolate is poisonous to dogs and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even death, while candy containing the sweetener xylitol can cause multiple health issues. Talk to your family members and ensure that they know never to give sweet treats to your dog.

Help him stay calm

If you’ll be handing out candy on Halloween and your dog gets upset or anxious when the doorbell rings, help him stay calm by sitting outside with your candy bowl to meet the trick-or-treaters before they even get to your porch. Keep the door closed so your pet won’t see all the strangers near his home, or let him relax in a room at the back of the house.

If the weather is bad or if it’s just too cold, consider putting your candy in a large bowl with a sign instructing trick-or-treaters to take a piece. You can even set up a harmless prank to give them a little jump!

Help him stay visible

If your pet will be wearing a costume this year and you want to take him out for trick-or-treating, keep him visible by attaching reflectors to his outfit and keep him close on a leash. Stay on sidewalks and away from busy roads and keep a close eye on the path ahead so your pet won’t be able to sneak a treat dropped from a child’s candy bag.

It’s also a good idea to try the costume on your dog well before Halloween just to make sure it fits well and that he’s okay with wearing it. Not every animal enjoys being dressed up, especially if the clothing restricts his ability to move.

Halloween is a fun holiday for people of all ages, but it’s important to stay alert and keep your loved ones informed of your plans so that everyone will have a fun, safe night. Think about the best ways to make sure your pet is healthy and anxiety free, and give yourself some peace of mind while you’re at it.