How to Keep a Dog Safe on Halloween

With Halloween right around the corner we want to make sure that we all have a safe, fun Halloween night. With the parties and other activities going on there are some steps that we can all follow. Slow down while driving; wear bright clothing, and so on. Here are six simple steps to ensure that your pet has a safe and happy Halloween.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Crate
• Treats
• Leash
• Collar

1. Don’t leave your pet outside. Halloween is full of pranksters. You don’t want your dog injured, poisoned, stolen, teased or tortured. It’s unfortunate, but Halloween is notorious for pranks. Many of those pranks are directed at pets. Please bring your pets in on Halloween night.

2. Don’t give your dog candy or chocolate. Chocolate is not good for your dog. It’s also a good idea to put your candy somewhere where your dog or cat won’t get to it. Be careful with candy that is wrapped in foil, it can get stuck in your pet’s digestive tract and make them ill or cause death.

3. Be very careful with jack-o-lanterns and candles. If you have a dog that has a strong and excitable tail or a curious cat that loves to investigate, make sure that they can’t get near or knock over anything that will catch fire or burn them.

4. If you are going to dress up your pet in a costume, make sure that your pet is receptive to this. Some dogs and cats don’t mind, some do. Make sure you try the costume on your pet a few weeks before Halloween night.

5. Some pets do not do well with strange people in strange costumes. If you are having parties make sure that you have checked out your dog’s response to costumes, masks, big hats and weird sounds. Some dogs can become very spooked by such things. If your dog does not accept this type of thing you may want to board your dog for the evening or set up a quiet area somewhere in your house. Bring your dog for a good romp and walk before Halloween activities start. This will reduce any altercations with any costumed characters.

6. Make sure your pets are wearing current identification. Some pets become scared and escape. You want to make sure that they can be easily identified if they end up in a shelter.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you give your dog a good brisk walk before Halloween activities start.
• Feed your dog before Halloween activities start.
• Make sure you have a quiet place set up for your dog in case your dog gets spooked.
• If this is your dog's first Halloween, see how your dog reacts to costumes before the big night.

Resources

• Free Dog Training Ebook

[Circey]

on 10/31/2008 Excellent advice. I'd also add that if you are giving out chocolate and know the kids in your neighborhood, please tell them not to share with their pet at home. They might thing their dog would enjoy chocolate as much as they do. In fact, keeping some dog bisquits handy for kids who have dogs is not a bad idea. If there is time between trick or treaters, make sure your dog gets lots of attention and water, especially if he's nervous.