Halloween Tips

October 31st can be as overwhelming for dogs as July 4th. Kids (and sometimes adults!) dressed in wacky costumes are running amuck, candy and wrappers are everywhere. Creepy decorations cause a scare, flickering candles light up jack-o-lanterns, and things that go bump in the night could cause your pup to be spooked out! We've compiled a list of our best advice to keep your whole family safe:

Thinking about dressing your pet up? Putting your pet in a costume is up to you (well really, it’s up to your pet...), but they should definitely be wearing an id tag with your phone number on it.    

Costumes can confuse dogs. They smell and hear a person, but they may not recognize their human if they’re wearing a mask, inside an inflatable costume, or wearing heavy make-up. Encourage the kids not to play tricks on your pup and instead give them a treat. 

Dogs should not have candy. Chocolate, xylitol, raisins and other ingredients can be very dangerous, as are lollipop sticks and wrappers. Accidents happen though, and if your pet ingests candy, call your vet or the ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.

On All Hallows Eve: 

• Take your dog for a walk before the festivities begin. Many times, if a dog is tired, they become less reactive to environmental stimuli.

• Don't bring them trick or treating with you. As a parent, we spend the night running from house to house, reminding the kids to say, "thank you!" and to wait for their siblings, and then trying to keep track of how much candy they've eaten. Make the night easier on you and your dog by keeping them at home.

• Set up a safe place for your pet, with their bed or crate, to protect them from the chaos, candy, and costumed guests approaching your door. Consider leaving a TV or radio on to encourage relaxation and drown out the doorbell.

• Stuff a Kong-toy with peanut butter, kibble, or treats and stick it in the freezer for a fun treat they can enjoy while festivities are underway.

• If the doorbell, or constant opening of your door triggers your dog, consider putting a bowl of candy outside for the trick or treaters, or set up a table to meet them outside. 

• Don’t let them greet the trick or treaters. Your friendly dog who loves greeting guests may feel differently when a T-Rex or Michael Myers is at the door. 

We hope this advice keeps the ghouls and goblins away, your pets safe, and we wish you all a hauntingly good Halloween!