This year, leave the tricks and treats to the kiddos, not the family pet.
With strangers approaching the door, and bowls of candy galore, it’s more important than ever to keep an eye on Spot when this frightful night approaches.
First and foremost, hide the treats! You probably know how sneaky dogs can be, so be extra careful where you stash the goodies. Candy can be dangerous, even deadly, for dogs. This is especially true of dark or baking chocolate and sugar-free candies containing xylitol. If you have reason to believe your pup has ingested anything toxic, call Poison Control immediately.
During trick-or-treat times, its super important to keep your pup calm and safe. With the yard and house full of strangers adorned in costumers, it’s likely your pup will feel some anxiety, and possibly aggression. Even the most social of dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room away from the front door, unable to dart outside. As a safety precaution in case of escape, always make sure your pet it wearing proper identification.
It’s also important to keep decorations high and tight. Who doesn’t love a scary jack-o-lantern? But disaster could strike when Fido gets excited and knocks over the flaming pumpkin. If you have strings of lights or other hanging ghouls, make sure they’re out of reach of curious dogs and cats.
If you’re dressing up your pooch, make sure they enjoy the costumer. You don’t want to cause any undue stress. Also, make sure the costume fits properly and does not limit movement, sight or ability to breathe, bark or meow. Check the costume beforehand for small, dangling pieces that present a choking hazard. If your pet shows any abnormal behavior or signs of being distressed, perhaps consider a festive bandana in place of the costume.
As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local pet store if you have questions on this or any pet-related topic.