How can I ensure Halloween is safe for my pet?
Halloween is an annual event that many children and adults look forward to enthusiastically, anticipating a day and evening filled with masks, candy, and pranks. But this holiday can be particularly spooky for the furry children in your family. To make Halloween fun for all your family members, take note of these Halloween safety tips for your pet.
Leave your pet at home
“No tricks, no treats” is the best Halloween plan for your dog. That may not sound like fun for your dog, but if your neighborhood is particularly busy on Halloween and the sidewalks are overflowing with exuberant parents and screaming children, it is best to leave your pet at home. Why expose them to the chaos and risk upsetting them?
Even kid-loving dogs, intimately familiar with their normal exercise route, can be thrown off by extra people on the street and may become agitated. Scary-looking, costumed humans that approach for a friendly pat on the head may frighten your dog. This fear reaction can unsettle dogs and be dangerous for trick or treaters. Scared dogs, even the nicest ones, may growl and bite when they feel threatened.
If you do decide to venture out with your dog, make sure they are on a secure leash. Keep them close to you at all times (no retractable leashes). Be vigilant as you observe your surroundings and assess people approaching you.
Guard against friendly, excited children who want to pet your dog. Too much physical contact from strangers who do not look like normal humans, combined with the natural desire to protect their owners, can instigate an aggressive reaction from dogs.
Dress carefully
You may want to dress your dog for Halloween, but make sure your dog wants to. Many dogs aren’t comfortable wearing costumes. Be on the alert for subtle signs of anxiety, such as holding their tail low or tucking it between their legs, keeping their ears back, licking their lips, yawning, pacing, shaking, panting, widened eyes (showing the whites) or dilated pupils.
If your pet appears content in a costume, ensure it is comfortable and safe. Costumes should be loose enough to provide freedom of movement, but not loose enough to trip up little feet. On the other hand, costumes that are too tight can restrict breathing and make movements difficult. Make sure that your pet’s costume does not interfere with their vision or hearing.
Also, beware of small parts, like buttons or loose strings, which can be chewed off and swallowed. Steer clear of any hair dyes or paints that your pet could lick off their fur, because they may be toxic if ingested. Check the label of any such product to ensure it is non-toxic if you absolutely must use it. Lots of pet owners opt for Halloween-themed bandanas or collars as a safe yet stylish way for their pet to celebrate the holiday.
Provide your pet with a calm, secure area to stay
Dogs that stay at home are not always fans of the neighborhood candy hunt. The doorbell constantly rings and strangers in weird costumes invade their domain.
Too many sights! Too many smells! Too many sounds! Even dogs that normally love children can be thrown off by the constant ring of the doorbell or knocking, the sheer number of visitors, and the weird appearance of their human friends.
"So many people invading your dog’s territory can be problematic."
So many people invading your dog’s territory can be problematic. A strange-looking person is trespassing on their home turf, which automatically sets off your dog’s protective canine defense mechanism. Then the strange-looking person gets close to you (your dog’s favorite person) as they reach for candy, which further heightens your dog’s defensive tendencies. What happens if your dog gets so protective, scared, or nervous that he barks, growls, or even snaps at a trick or treater?
Unless your dog is extremely mellow, let them rest in a room away from the frenzy with the door closed. Turn on a TV, radio, or white noise machine to dull the sound of the doorbell and exuberant trick or treaters. Or better yet, pre-empt the doorbell by sitting outside and intercepting children before they reach your front door.
Secure any potential escape routes
If your dog stays with you and is calmly greeting the trick or treaters, keep them safely on a short leash. That way, they cannot dart out the door after visitors and you have control over their movements, in case something triggers an aggressive action.
If your dog historically becomes agitated when strangers visit, Halloween will only exacerbate their anxieties. Some dogs get so worked up that they pace, bark, and whine all evening. It is no fun for you or your dog for them to be miserable and anxious all evening. You may consider asking your veterinarian to prescribe a mild sedative. As a practice run, give the medication before Halloween night to assess the impact on your dog.
Keep Halloween treats away from your pet
Resist the temptation to share Halloween candy with your pet. In fact, keep all candy safely out of reach.
Chocolate in all forms can be very dangerous for dogs, as can candy or gum artificially sweetened with xylitol (see handouts “Chocolate Poisoning in Dogs” and “Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs”).
Plus, dogs may gobble up candy wrappers and all. Cellophane or foil wrappers are big trouble when swallowed. Even natural treats like caramel apples and raisins should be off limits. Intestinal upsets, GI blockages, and pancreatitis can result when your pet eats items not normally on their menu.
Decorate with safety in mind
Festive decorations set the Halloween mood but can pose health risks for your dog. While non-toxic, pumpkin and pumpkin seeds can upset a pet’s stomach, especially when consumed in large quantities.
Lit candles in jack-O-lanterns become fire hazards when toppled by a curious canine. Fall-colored corn cobs are pretty, but they can obstruct the intestinal tract and often require surgical removal. Decorative holiday lights may brighten your porch but remember to keep both lights and power cords out of your dog’s reach. Nibbling on electrical cords can be shocking!
Halloween can be lots of fun, so, go ahead — buy the candy, plan the costume, map out your trick-or-treat route, decorate the house. Just keep your dog in mind as you prepare for Halloween, so that the entire family has a good, safe time.
