Halloween and Your Dog

Halloween is quickly approaching and we always experience and increased rate of certain dog related issues pop up during this time of year.  Here are some things you will want to be aware of this Halloween season with your dog.

Halloween is all about costumes, both with children and dogs.

• Children in costumes will appear different to your dog and can easily scare a dog
• Many dogs will become reactive to children and adults in costume
• Certain dog costumes can be a chewing or choking hazard
• If you will be dressing up your dog, make sure that your dog has good peripheral vision to enable them to fully use their senses
• Be aware of how other dogs perceive your dog when he/she is in a doggy costume

Be aware of your doorbell when handing out candy.

• Because your door will be opening and closing frequently, make sure your dog knows no to bolt out of the door
• There will be loud and excited children in costumes on the other side of the door, make sure your dog isn’t reactive
• Don’t be afraid to crate your dog away from your door to reduce stress levels and prevent the unexpected

We all know that chocolate is not good for your dog.

• Make sure you keep candy out of reach of your dog
• Be sure that your children are not giving the dog candy
• Make sure your dog does not chew or eat candy wrappers

If you think about each aspect of Halloween, it’s almost the most unfair and potentially stressful day for your dog.  Follow the steps above and keep your dog out of potentially dangerous situations this Halloween.

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