Halloween can be a lot of fun for people, but there are also aspects of the holiday that can be harmful or even dangerous to our dogs. Although we understand that Halloween costumes and decorations are a fun way to be seasonally festive, all of this can be overwhelming, confusing, and frightening to dogs. Dogs are individuals and will have different reactions to the signs and sounds of Halloween. These Halloween dog safety tips can help keep your pup safe this Halloween.
1. Collar On
Make sure your dog is always wearing their collar with updated identification tags. Even if your dog is wearing a Halloween costume it’s important for your dog to keep their identification on. If your dog were to get lost the fastest way for them to get back to you is to have your contact information on a tag.
2. Microchipped
With all the excitement of Halloween it’s very easy for dogs to dart out a door, back out of a harness, and accidentally go missing after getting spooked by Halloween costumes or decorations. Before the holiday talk to your veterinarian about microchipping your dog if you haven’t already done so. Tags can get lost, or collars can fall off, but a microchip that is approximately the size of a grain of rice can be embedded under the skin of your dog’s neck. Any shelter or vet clinic where a lost dog is taken will scan for a microchip which will provide your phone number.
3. Lights On
If you’re going to be walking your dog on Halloween or in the evenings around Halloween, make sure to outfit your dog with a light harness or light-up collar and/or leash so they are visible. Lighting your pet up at night will not only help cars see you and your dog but will also help groups of trick-or-treaters see you are coming and give you and your dog some space from the spooky costumes while you’re out walking.
4. Put Candy Away
Halloween candy might be a favorite part of Halloween for people, but candy can be dangerous for our dogs. Chocolate isn’t the only candy that is dangerous for dogs. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in many candies which is toxic to dogs. Avoid keeping any bowls or bags of candy in locations where your dog can reach, which for large breed dogs may include your kitchen counter. The ASPCA Poison Control is a great resource for determining if a holiday treat your dog has gotten into is toxic. If your dog eats any Halloween candy, contact your veterinarian or a local emergency veterinary clinic immediately to determine what treatment is needed.
5. Properly Fitted Costumes
When properly introduced to Halloween costumes slowly using positive reinforcement approaches by pairing the costume with treats and play many dogs will enjoy wearing Halloween costumes. When selecting a Halloween costume for your dog make sure that it is properly fitted, not constricting, and allows your dog to comfortably have a full range of motion.
For dogs who don’t enjoy dressing up, you may want to consider a festive spooky bandanna instead as this is an accessory that most dogs happily wear.
6. Keep Dogs Away From Doors
If you’re going to be giving treats to trick-or-treaters on Halloween, you’ll want to keep your dog away from the door for their safety and for the safety and comfort of trick-or-treaters. Even dogs who are social and like meeting people can become confused and frightened by the repeated doorbell ringing, and people in masks and costumes at their house. Keep your dog leashed or behind a baby gate when you answer the door. Not only can this keep your dog from getting scared, but it can also help prevent your dog from accidentally darting out the door and becoming lost.
7. Body Language
Pay attention to your dog’s body language on Halloween. If your dog’s body language starts to become stiff, stressed, or otherwise uncomfortable, that’s a clear indication that your dog isn’t having a good time and needs a break from the spooky festivities. If your dog starts to feel uncomfortable, have a plan in place for how to get back home if you’re out, or to a quiet area of your house away from the ringing doorbell and costumed visitors.
8. Leash On
Halloween can be an overwhelming time for dogs. For their safety keep your dog on leash on Halloween if not in a fenced area. Even dogs with a reliable recall can get spooked on Halloween, runoff, and get lost. Before heading out for a walk make sure your leash is on, and securely attached, and avoid off-leash parks on Halloween.
9. Keep Away From Pumpkins
If you carve pumpkins your dog might be very curious about what they are. If you use real candles in your finished carved jack-o-lanterns, it’s especially important to keep your dog away from the pumpkins. Candles in pumpkins if knocked over can present a serious fire hazard which could be dangerous to your dog or cause a house fire. For everyone’s safety keep candle-lit pumpkins in areas where your dog doesn’t have access.
10. Dog-Proof Your Decor
Decorating for Halloween can be a fun way to celebrate the season but make sure any holiday decorations you put up are at a height or in a location that your dog won’t be able to reach. Decorative spider webs and another festive decor can make your house look amazing, but they also can present a choking hazard for dogs or create an intestinal blockage if eaten.
