Halloween Dog Safety: Tips to Keep Your Dog Out of Harm's Way

By Penny Martin for Machu Pitou Chihuahua
(Photo Courtesy of Unsplash)

Though usually celebrated by adults and kids, Halloween can be a fun time for your dog to get in on the festivities of the season. While he may not be able to completely enjoy the freedom his human companions do, there are still some safe and fun ways to incorporate your pet into the tradition by keeping some helpful precautionary measures in mind while preparing for this spooky holiday. 

Keep Away From Candy
Humans can easily ingest xylitol, a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener in candy without becoming ill; however, it isn't so safe for your pooch. Found in fruit candies as well as chocolates, xylitol can be toxic for your dog because it's not formulated for a canine's digestive system. If ingested, xylitol can cause seizures, vomiting, and even death. If you suspect your dog has eaten candy with xylitol, call animal poison control right away. Additionally, the wrappers that candies come in can be a shocking hazard for dogs, so make sure that you keep the candy bowl high out of reach. If you want to give your dog a treat, keep some dog snacks on hand or see if your local pet store has some fun holiday-themed dog biscuits. 

No Roaming
Don't allow your dog to roam freely on Halloween night. Doing so can cause your pup to get lost, and roaming the streets can cause vehicular or cyclist accidents. To detect accidents and issues, always keep your dog on a reflective leash if you plan to wander the neighborhood. Carry a flashlight with you at all times and make sure that your dog wears an ID tag in case he somehow gets loose. 

No Dangerous Costumes
If you plan to have your dog wear a costume, make sure that it's specifically made dog's body, which can ensure a more enjoyable Halloween experience for your pup. If he displays irritability because of the costume, quickly remove it to prevent further agitation. Introduce him to his costume at least two weeks before hand to prevent any mishaps. You may even give him treats throughout the trial process so that he can associate good feelings with the costume and so he knows that it's safe to wear. 

Pet-Friendly Decor
If you're throwing a party and your dog is going to be free to roam, keep him away from objects such as candles, streamers, and plastic to prevent suffocation and burns. Choose pet-friendly decorations that won't pose a danger, and if you have a highly curious pup, keep your dog away from cords and sockets, which are proven fire hazards.

Sudden Noises
For people, half the fun of Halloween is hearing screams, scary noises, and creepy music. For dogs, a sudden racket and constant doorbell ringing can be startling or induce anxiety, according to Dogtime.com. In addition to the noise, alarming costumes worn by strangers can scare your dog and even cause him to act aggressively with trick-or-treaters. To prevent your dog from escaping out of fear, install a baby gate so that he doesn't run out the door. Keeping him in the backyard will also reduce your dog's anxiety and keep him away from the noise. You can make sure your dog has a pleasant Halloween with the rest of the family by keeping dangerous candy and decorations out of reach, confining him to the backyard or a bedroom, and keeping him tethered when you're out and about. By using caution for yourself and your pet during a celebration, you'll never be short on fun. 

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