Halloween is a fun and festive time for families, but it can be a stressful and potentially dangerous event for your dog. Between the costumes, loud noises, and constant doorbell ringing, it’s easy for our furry friends to become overwhelmed. At Fins Animal Training, we believe in keeping your dog happy, safe, and stress-free, even during celebrations like Halloween. Here’s how to make sure your dog enjoys Halloween as much as you!
1. Avoid Dangerous Treats
One of the biggest hazards for dogs during Halloween is candy. Many popular Halloween treats, like chocolate, gum, and sugar-free candy, contain toxic ingredients like xylitol and cocoa, which can make your dog sick.
- Chocolate: Especially dark chocolate and baker’s chocolate, can be extremely dangerous for dogs, even in small amounts. It contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even death in severe cases.
- Xylitol: This sweetener, also called Birch Sugar, is found in many sugar-free candies and can be deadly to dogs, causing a rapid drop in blood sugar, leading to seizures and liver failure.
- Grapes, raisins, sultanas, and currants: Although great for humans, these are toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure, even in small amounts. Keep these fruits out of reach and never share them with your pet.
Tip: Keep all Halloween candy out of your dog’s reach, and make sure to tell any visiting trick-or-treaters or party guests that they should never share their treats with your pet. If ingested, seek veterinary help immediately!
Safe Alternatives
Cheer up! Your dog can also celebrate the holiday with you if you offer them safe Halloween treats like:
- Pumpkin-flavored dog biscuits
- Peanut butter (without xylitol)
- Store-bought dog treats made especially for this season
- Homemade treats, there are several recipes online
- Their favorite treat, which is always special!
2. Choose Comfortable and Safe Costumes
If you plan to dress your dog up for Halloween, make sure their costume is comfortable and safe. Many pet costumes can restrict movement, cause overheating, or irritate your dog’s skin.
- Avoid Tight Fitting Costumes: Make sure your dog can walk, breathe, and move freely.
- No Small Parts: Costumes with small, dangling parts can be a choking hazard if your dog tries to chew or swallow them.
- Monitor for Stress: Some dogs don’t like wearing costumes at all. If your dog shows signs of stress like pawing at the costume, panting, or trying to remove it, it’s best to skip the costume altogether.
- Consider a Photo Shoot: Instead of having your dog wearing a costume for the whole party, dress them up on a special day and take some fun pictures together!
Tip: If your dog isn’t comfortable in a costume, opt for something simple like a festive bandana or collar instead.
3. Prevent Your Dog from Running Out the Door
With so many people coming and going, it’s easy for dogs to slip out through the front door unnoticed or even to dart out in panic.
- Leash Always Ready: When opening the door, have your dog on a leash even if they usually are very well behaved, the commotion can cause changes in behavior.
- Block Their Way to the Door: Consider using a baby gate to block their access to the front door during trick-or-treat hours.
- Proper Identification: Make sure your dog is properly identified in case they get out.
- Microchip: Ensure your dog’s microchip information is up to date.
- ID Tags: Have your dog wear a collar with clear identification tags, including your contact information.
Tip: Practice door manners in advance by rewarding your dog for staying calm when the doorbell rings, so they’re less likely to bolt when the excitement begins.
4. Keep Your Dog Calm During Trick-or-Treat Hours
The constant doorbell ringing and unfamiliar visitors in costumes can be overwhelming for dogs. The excitement and noise can lead to anxiety, barking, or even attempts to escape.
- Create a Safe Space: Set up a quiet room where your dog can retreat during trick-or-treating. Include their favorite toys, blankets, and maybe a calming chew.
- Use Calming Products: Consider using calming sprays, thunder shirts, or calming treats to help ease your dog’s stress. If your dog has a very high level of anxiety, you can talk to your Vet about some medication.
- Train Your Dog to Stay Calm at the Door: Spend some time before Halloween reinforcing your dog’s behavior around the door. Reward them for staying calm when the door opens, At Fins Animal Training, we can help you train your dog to greet visitors calmly, even during hectic times like Halloween.
Tip: If your dog is prone to anxiety, it may be best to keep them away from the front door entirely during peak trick-or-treat hours.
5. Prepare Your Dog for Costume-Clad Visitors
Seeing children and adults in costumes can be confusing and scary for dogs. To help your dog stay calm when they see trick-or-treaters, practice exposure ahead of time by introducing them to people wearing hats, masks, and other costume accessories.
- Practice with Friends or Family: Have family members wear costume parts, then reward your dog for calm behavior.
- Reward Calmness: Use treats and praise to reward your dog for staying relaxed when people approach in costumes.
- Prevent Running Over Little Trick-or-Treaters: Small children in costumes can look strange to dogs, making them more likely to jump or bark, so remember to have them on a leash before opening the door.
Tip: If your dog shows signs of fear or anxiety around costumed visitors, it’s absolutely okay to skip the doorbell ringing and provide them with a quiet, safe space during the busiest parts of the evening or to leave a bowl of candy outside for trick-or-treaters and avoid opening the door altogether.
6. Watch Out for Halloween Decorations
Last but not least, decoration is a big part of Halloween, but it can pose a danger to dogs, especially curious pups who like to explore and chew.
- Pumpkins and Gourds: While not toxic, these can cause digestive upset if ingested in large amounts. Jack-o’-lanterns with candles can also be a fire hazard if your dog knocks them over.
- Wires and Cords: Keep electrical cords for decorations like lights and animatronics out of your dog’s reach to avoid potential shocks or strangulation.
- Glow Sticks: While not highly toxic, the liquid inside glow sticks can cause irritation if your dog chews on them.
Tip: If your dog likes to chew, keep decorations higher up and out of their reach to prevent accidents.
Conclusion
Halloween is fun for the whole family, but can be stressful for our pups, who have no clue why people are wearing scary masks, or why these big decorations are suddenly everywhere. With the above tips you can keep everyone safe during this festive holiday.
At Fins Animal Training, we can work with you to ensure your dog is prepared for the big night. Reach out today, and let’s get your pup ready for a safe and fun Halloween!