Howl-O-Ween is the most spooktacular night of the year! To ensure your night is filled with treats (rather than tricks) here are a few tips to ensure both you and your pup’s have a Happy Howl-O-Ween.
1. Stash the candy!
Halloween means lots and lots of sweet treats, however the results will not be sweet if your dog (or cat) gets into them. Chocolate is very dangerous for both dogs and cats. In addition, xylitol, which is used in most sugar-free candies, can cause serious problems with your pets.
Ensure that you stash all of your families Halloween treats out of reach of your pets. If you suspect your dog has eaten something toxic, you can call the ASPCA Poison Control Center for assistance at (888)426-4435.
2. Be aware of scary decoration displays around your neighborhood!
Halloween means spooky decorations and dogs can be just as scared of skeletons, clowns, and scarecrows as we are! If there is a decoration display that your dog is not particularly fond of in someone’s front yard, avoid that house on yourwalks for the month of October.
3. Pick safe pet costumes!
Although most can agree there is nothing cuter than a dachshund in a hot-dog costume, it is not unusual for costumes to cause dogs stress. Ensure that your dog is completely comfortable in their costume and is not causing them additional stress on this crazy night. If you want them to wear a costume, try a themed bandana or a simple vest. This can allow your dog to be festive without adding any additional stress.
If your dog is a diva and can wear their costume with confidence, check the costume to ensure there are not any easily digestible parts. Things to be weary of are buttons, plastic pieces, or anything that the dog can swallow. Your night should be full of treats and not a surprise trip to the vet.
4. Keep your dog in a safe, contained area inside your house on Halloween Night
To humans, trick-or-treaters are viewed as cute children, whereas for dogs, they can appear to be mutant elves wearing weird clothing that are coming to attack your house! Since there will be a lot of people out walking and strangers coming to the door, keep your dog inside and contained. Keep them calm in a either a room without access to the front door or safely away in their crate (especially during peak Trick-or-Treating Hours).
5. Ensure they are wearing proper identification
Ensure they are wearing proper identification just in case they do dart outside. A collar with an ID tag and/or a microchip can be a life saver if your dog does escape.
Suburban Border Collie 