Halloween And Dogs: How To Ensure Your Dog Has A Happy Howl-o-ween
It’s that time of year when the stores are filled with skeletons and pumpkins, cauldrons and spiderwebs. In just a few weeks, ghosts and goblins, fairy princesses and pirates will be out roaming the streets asking for candy. While this is a fun and exciting time for children (and many adults too!), you will need to take a few extra precautions to ensure that your dog enjoys the evening too. Here are several simple actions you can take to guarentee that both you and your dog have a howlingly good Halloween night.
Keep your dog away from trick-or-treaters and Halloween festivities.
Many dogs are easily frightened by people in costumes. If you are having a party at home, keep your dog away from the festivities and occupied with a long lasting chew or toy. Lots of people, strange smells, and loud noises can spook even the calmest of animals.
Keep your dog in a closed room with food and water.
A frightened dog may bark or lunge at unsuspecting trick-or-treaters. Dogs can also quickly and easily slip out of a door opened for trick-or-treaters. Be sure all dogs are wearing collars and ID tags in case of an accidental getaway. And do not leave your pet alone in the yard - he is an easy target for pranksters.
Keep decorations out of your dog’s reach.
Lit Jack-O-Lanterns pose a real fire risk as they can be easily tipped over by a wagging tail. Dogs also run the risk of getting tangled in decorations or of receiving a deadly shock from chewing on electrical cords. Keep an especially close eye on puppies. They are the ones most likely to attempt to sample your Halloween decorations.
Keep the candy for the humans.
Chocolate contains a lethal ingredient called theobromine, and the darker the chocolate, the higher the concentration of theobromine. If you want to give your dog a sweet treat, offer her a few of her favorite treats.
Dress the children, not the dogs.
Most dogs do not like, or are even frightened by the constraints of a costume. Some costumes can also impair your dog’s sight, hearing, or ability to breathe. Stick with Halloween themed collars and leashes if you want your pet to look the part.
People, pets and pet products are Tara's passions. As the Director of Field Development for Petlane, a pet product company offering the best toys, treats, gifts, and health and safety items for dogs, cats and birds, Tara gets to indulge all three passions. You can visit her website at www.petlane.com Tara lives in Northern California with her husband and her 6 year old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Jade. She also invites you to visit her blog at www.petlane.com/blog
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