Have a safe and fun Halloween with Your Pet – 7 Tips

I definitely understand what a challenge Halloween can be for dogs and their families. I own a pet boarding facility and am a breeder who offers both Anatolian Shepherds and Border Collie puppies for sale in Virginia. Follow my tried and true steps for Halloween pet safety to ensure a fun and safe Halloween for your entire family.
1. Be careful with human costumes. Costumes, especially ones that have been tried on and smell like your family members will be of special interest to your pet. Ingesting your costume or his doggie costume could mean a long night at the pet emergency room.

2. Should your dog wear a costume? Ask yourself: Will he enjoy hamming it up and getting extra attention or is donning a costume an act of total humiliation? You know your dog, you decide. Make sure the costume does not restrict your pooches walking, breathing and sight. Maybe a festive bandana would be more comfortable for your pet, and it might be a safer choice. Don’t leave him unattended in his costume. Definitely don’t leave more than one dog alone in their costumes. They may become each others chew toys. Also, be aware that your dog’s canine friends may not recognize him and go on the attack. Give them a few minutes identify one another before they are too close.

3. If you are sure your pet wants to participate in the festivities make sure you keep him on a leash. Check and recheck your dog’s collar and make sure you have his microchip number handy. There will be a lot more confusion this night so you don’t want your pet to get separated from you. If you are at home handing out candy, keep him on a leash or behind a child- gate, so he doesn’t dart out to see what all the excitement is about.

4. Don’t leave your pets outdoors unattended, even in your own backyard. People have been known to play mean tricks on dogs and cats, even in the friendliest neighborhoods.

5. Create a safe retreat for your pet. Even the most social dogs will want a break from the constant door bell ringing and parade of strangers to your house. For the stressed out and protective types, you may consider starting the evening with a nice long walk or ball retrieving session before the costumed kids come out onto the street. You can put your pet in a crate in your bedroom or a kennel in your garage. Try turning up the television or radio and close the curtains to minimize the sounds of excited children. Make sure you provide them with a good safe chew toy like a stuffed Kong. The act of chewing will release endorphins and help them relax.

Another option for the nervous dog is to let him spend the night at a kennel. If you have your own kids, or just a lot of neighborhood trick or treaters, you may not have the time and energy it takes to help your dog stay calm. A night at the kennel would allow both you and your dog to have a calm, fun Halloween.

6. Pet-proofing decorations is a big part of Halloween pet safety. Open flames in Jack o’ Lanterns can create a spooky atmosphere, but could be knocked over by a waging tail or inspected by a curious nose. Hide all electrical cords so your dog doesn’t chew on them. Remember our four legged family members use their noses and mouths to ‘check things out’.

7. Be extra vigilant about picking up candy and keeping it above counter surfing level. Candy, with too much sugar, artificial sweeteners and chocolate can be toxic, even fatal to dogs. Remember to be a on the lookout for fallen and discarded candy in yards and on the sidewalk when you go for a walk after the festivities. If you are concerned your pet has eaten something toxic, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

We all love our pets and want them to join in the Holiday fun! If you follow these tips for Halloween pet safety everyone can have a good time this Halloween.

Harriet Pittman is the owner of Shadewood Farm and Kennel. If you are looking for Anatolian Shepherd for sale or Border Collie puppies for sale in Virginia , give Shadewood Farm a call. Want some great tips on Halloween pet safety? Check out her latest blog post on Halloween pet safety.