The run up to and of course, the night of, Halloween can be a really fun time of year! And one to be enjoyed with our family and friends, including our dogs. However, from your dog’s perspective, Halloween can no doubt be more than a little spooky!
It’s important to be mindful of our pets and keeping them safe both physically and mentally. The constant doorbell ringing from trick or treaters can be enough to raise the stress levels in some dogs and make the night downright ghoulish for them. Here’s our top safety tips for keeping them safe and calm this spooky season.
In the run up to Halloween
There are lots of seasonal fun things to enjoy with your dog like autumnal walks in crisp leaves and cosy nights in with the fire. Remember, fireworks and bangers can start quite early in October, particularly if you live in a built up area. Be sure to confine your pets and check fences, gates and doors are dog proof at times where there is loud, scary noises outside. This goes for stormy nights too! A terrified dog can scale and jump fences they wouldn’t normally so make sure to stay with your dog when letting them out to do their business in the garden. If you do not have a fully enclosed garden, keep them on leash. Be sure that they are constantly wearing a name tag and collar with your number and details on it and their microchip is up to date and registered. You can double check this at your vet clinic. Particularly, on Halloween night itself when the door is opening and closing constantly, be sure to keep your pet in another room and not apart of the front door welcoming committee. Your dog going missing or running loose would be a disastrous holiday outcome.
Lots of people include their pets in Halloween dress up, however, this can cause them feeling restricted or uncomfortable. Some doggy costumes can come with dangling bits and be quite scary too! Instead, add a Halloween or festive collar, bandana or dicky bow, that you can attach to their collar. This is a more enjoyable way to dress up for the festive season. If your dog shows any signs of being stressed out, do not force them into any fancy dress.
The night of ..
Guard the trick or treat bowl and do not leave it unattended or anywhere your dog might reach it. Dogs will love the smell of chocolate but it can have lethal outcomes if they get hold of any treats! Symptoms of chocolate toxicity include restlessness, irritability, increased urination, muscle tremors, and sometimes even seizures. Vomiting and diarrhea are also commonplace following chocolate ingestion. If you suspect your dog(s) has raided the candy bowl, call your veterinarian or local emergency clinic immediately. The sooner treatment is initiated, the better the chance for a good outcome. The same can go for other festive favourites like barm brack or salty foods. However, cooked pumpkin in small portions added to your dog’s food or slices of apple (no pips) are a tasty treat your dog can enjoy.
On Halloween night, be sure to walk your dog earlier in the day. Keep your dog in a quiet place in the house, provide lots of distractions like a stuffed Kong or k9 connectable, frozen to make them last longer. Be sure to prep them ahead of time and have them ready to go. Providing a crate or den-like area will be hugely beneficial too for them to hide in and feel safe. Turn the TV up loud and try not to over comfort them, act as you normally would to reassure them.
If your dog is especially anxious or stress, perhaps it would be easier to leave a bowl of treats at the door for trick or treaters or even boarding your pet elsewhere at a trusted boarders. For more information, have a chat with your vet for more pet safe tips.
