Raise your hand if Autumn/Fall is your favorite time of year šāāļøš. Pumpkin spice everything and cozy sweater weather. Let’s talk about Halloween night and how to keep your dog(s) safe. As responsible dog parents, it’s up to us to ensure their safety during this time. There is an abundance of candy around, hanging spooky decorations, and strangers are coming to the house more often. Believe it or not, it can be a scary experience for some dogs. To make sure you and your pup are on the same page to enjoy this year’s Halloween season, here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
Keep Halloween Candy Bowl Up and Away
This is a gentle reminder to keep the Halloween candy bowl out of reach to ensure your dog’s safety. I’m sure most of you know that chocolate is toxic, like super toxic, to dogs. Candies containingĀ xylitol (commonly used in sugar-free candy)Ā can cause liver failure in dogs. I’m not trying to scare anyone; I want you to be hyper-aware. I will link a recipe so your dog can enjoy fun treats on Halloween night. Homemade pumpkin sweet potato treats are here! If you don’t have time to make fresh dog treats, here is another festive and healthy option you can give your dog on Halloween.
Be Mindful of Costumes: Comfort and Safety First!
Dressing up your dog is super fun, but it’s important to remember that not all dogs like it. The key is to consider your dog’s comfort. For instance, my two-year-old dog wasn’t a fan of her costume last year, so we’re keeping it simple with bat wings this year. When picking a dog costume, ensure it fits and isn’t restrictive. If your dog or puppy is a chewer, avoiding costumes with small parts that could be chewed off and swallowed is critical to remember.
Halloween Decorations
Halloween decorations like electric string lights and candles can pose a potential issue. Curious dogs may try to chew on electrical cords and faux leaf decorations, accidentally knock over candles, or ingest toxic materials from decorations like fake cobwebs or plastic parts. The simple solution is to keep decorations up high and out of your dog’s reach. If you use candles for a spooky ambiance, consider flameless candles instead; they are stunning and safe.
Trick-or-Treating
You know if your dog gets anxious around new people. Again, let’s take my dog, for example. She has an operatic bark whenever someone comes close to the door. Now imagine the doorbell rings, loud costumes, and many strangers coming to the door. Have more patience with your dog during this time; she/he may need help understanding the concept of Halloween and its festivities. The goal is to avoid as much stress as possible.
If you take your dog for a walk on Halloween evening, be more aware of their surroundings; there is a lot of stimulation. Then, when you go to the Halloween party with friends, consider crating your dog in a room away from the door and noise before you head out. This will help them feel calm and secure. You can play soft music or turn on YouTube for dogs to drown out the festivities outside.
Dog ID and Chip Updated
On Halloween, it can get a bit chaotic; God forbid your dog gets startled and darts out of the house; it’s super important to keep their collar on all day and have proper ID. My dog has a GPS-tracking AppleĀ air tagĀ and air tag holder that also slides right on the collar. This significantly increases the chances of your pet being returned to you if it gets lost. It’s always a good idea to double-check your micro-chip information and ensure everything is updated, especially if you recently moved. All of this is to say that this provides more precautionary measures for pet safety during Halloween.
Nighttime Visibility
I am today years old learning about glow sticks’ toxicity. If you are doing glow sticks this year with the kids, it’s critical to be aware that the liquid inside them can be toxic if your dog decides it’s a toy and ingests it. It may not be fatal, but it can cause significant discomfort, including mouth irritation, excessive drooling, and vomiting, which is not a pleasant experience for anyone, especially your dog. Maybe consider these LED bracelets for the family instead. If you want your dog to be more visible at night, get an LED collar and this crossbody leash for more control to ensure extra safety.
Keep Dog Away from the Front Door
Even your social butterfly doggo may become anxious. To keep your dog away while the trick-or-treaters come by, you could place a baby gate to block off access in any room, but not entirely away from the fun. Maybe try Hemp-calming chews to keep your dog on the more relaxed side during the celebrations. A pheromone diffuser in the room may help.
Jack-o’-Lanterns and Candles
It’s 2024, and we are no longer using candles in Jack-o’-lanterns, right? Candles are a total fire hazard, especially around curious and skittish dogs. A wagging tail or accidental paw swipe could knock one over and cause a fire. Immediately NO. Use battery-powered LED candles to create the exact ambiance without fire risk. These are pet-friendly and safe for any holiday decor year-round!
Monitor your Dog
If you are a seasoned pet owner, you know when your dog could get anxious. If you are a new pet parent, it is essential to understand how to recognize signs of anxiety in your dog during Halloween. Signs to be aware of are excessive barking, hiding, drooling (my dog drools when she is anxious), or pacing. If you think or know your dog is prone to anxiety, plan ahead a bit. Keeping them relaxed will help you enjoy the festivities more, knowing your dog is calm, secure, and safe.
Enjoy Halloween Safely with Your Dogs
Following these simple Halloween safety tips, you and your dog(s) can enjoy the holiday with the whole family.
Happy Halloween!