Tips to Make Halloween Dog-Friendly
The spooky sights and sounds of Halloween can be fun and exciting for humans, but for dogs these unusual festivities can be scary and stressful. While celebrating, keep these precautions in mind to make sure your dog feels more comfortable and you’re able to keep them safe and secure.
Dog-Friendly Costumes
While you might love seeing your pup dressed up as your favorite character, they might not enjoy wearing a costume. Thinking of parading your dog around in a pet costume? Keep these tips in mind.
- Look for a dog costume that is breathable and fits just right. If it’s too loose it will be restrictive and if it’s too tight it can rub and cause irritations.
- Make sure the costume doesn’t restrict movement, hearing or eyesight, and doesn’t have accessories that can be ingested.
- Try the costume on your dog multiple times before Halloween night so they grow accustomed to it. If your dog shows signs that they don’t enjoy it, do not force them to wear it.
- Don’t leave your dog unattended in a costume.
Candy and Treats
While it’s sweet and tasty for humans, candy is a real danger for dogs. Keep all candy out of reach from pets. While chocolate is most dangerous, even lethal at times, a lot of candy has the artificial sweetener xylitol in it which can cause harm to your pup. Plus, dogs don’t take the wrappers off and eat them right along with the candy which might cause some intestinal issues. If you think your dog has ingested chocolate or candy, take them to the vet immediately.
Decorations
For many dogs, Halloween décor can be viewed as something fun and looked at as a new toy to play with. Be mindful of what you put up around the house so it’s not put in places where your dog can get into it and cause harm to themselves. Make sure you know the risks of some popular decorations:
- Pumpkin and corn stalks, while not poisonous, can cause gastrointestinal issues.
- Candles, especially those in jack-o-lanterns on the ground, can cause burns or start a fire.
- Secure and cover any wires and cords to prevent your dog from chewing on them and getting burned or shocked.
Socially Distanced Trick-or-Treating
Even if you have a social dog, Halloween night can be scary seeing extravagant costumes and hearing frightful sounds. If your pup isn’t up for the spooky night, it’s best to leave them at home in a quiet and secure space away from the front door that is constantly opening and closing. Heading out to do some socially distanced trick-or-treating with your dog? Be sure to dress them in bright and reflective gear and walk on sidewalks. Your cute pup might draw attention of the ghouls on the street, but it’s best to not have others pet your dog so you can maintain a distance of 6 feet apart. Whether out with you or staying at home, make sure your dog is wearing their identification in the off chance they get scared and run away, they can be returned to you.
If Halloween night is not your dog’s favorite holiday, think about boarding them at Dogtopia. They’ll be in a safe and stress-free environment while being cared for by our caring team. For more information, contact a Dogtopia daycare and boarding center near you.
