Halloween can be a fun and festive time for your family, but it is also a time when your four legged friends can be easily spooked by decorations and all the activity going on around the house. Candy, costumes, and frightening decorations can turn into a health emergency if your dog gets stressed or eats something she shouldn’t.
Whether your dog will be getting in on the Halloween night festivities or having a relaxing evening hanging out at home, here are things you should watch out for this Halloween and what steps you should take to make sure your dog stays safe and happy throughout the holiday.
How to Avoid Halloween Risks for Your Dog
In addition to the ghouls and goblins, other trappings of Halloween festivities can be risky. Here is what to watch out for and how to be sure your dog stays safe:
- Decorations - As you put up your Halloween and fall decor, watch for any decor items that might be harmful for dogs. Small baubles on the ground can be a choking or obstruction hazard if your dog tries to eat them. Pumpkins and corn stalks can cause an upset stomach if your dog eats them and you will need to monitor your dog if you have any candles near the ground.
- Candy - From the candy that you are giving out to neighbors to the chocolates and treats that your children bring home from trick or treating, your house will likely have a lot of sweets that are harmful to dogs. Chocolate, xylitol in sugary candy, and candy wrappers can all cause severe health problems, and even death, so keep them all out of reach of your dog.
- Dog Costumes - Dressing your dog up is a fun and cute way to get them into the spirit of Halloween. When you pick out your costume, make sure it fits correctly and does not have any small pieces that your dog could eat. Always watch them while they are wearing the costume and be willing to take it off if your dog is just not comfortable.
- Trick or Treating with Your Dog - If you will be taking your dog around the neighborhood for trick or treating, keep them on leash at all times. A reflective vest, reflective collar, or flashlight will help make your dog easily visible to cars and other people.
- Keeping Your Dog at Home - Trick or treating means you may have many people ringing your doorbell and the continuous opening and closing of the door can be overwhelming for your dog. Consider moving him to a quieter room in the house for the evening if your dog is easily stressed by people at the door or set the bowl of candy outside your door with a sign.
Halloween can be as exciting for your dog as it is for you. Just be sure that you are taking proper precautions throughout the month of October to keep your dog away from anything dangerous. Take some time to think about your Halloween night plan as well to make sure you can participate in the festivities without worrying whether or not your dog is comfortable.
