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Halloween is a favorite holiday for many pet owners.
While it's fun to include your pet in the festivities, it's important to keep these Halloween safety tips for dogs in mind. It may not seem like it, but holidays can be a particularly hazardous time for pets.
From people dressed up in costumes to strangers ringing your doorbell incessantly, Halloween can be a terrifying night for pets for several reasons.
Here are 15 dog safety tips to apply on Halloween to keep your pups calm, safe, and secure.
15 Halloween Safety Tips for Dogs
1. Ensure Proper Identification
There will be plenty of action and commotion on Halloween night.
In case your dog slips out of the house or gets away from their leash when you're out for a Halloween walk, make sure they have proper identification with your name, address, and contact number.
Better yet, get your dog microchipped or update the details of their current chip a few days before Halloween.
Remember: many dogs go missing on holidays.
If your dog has proper identification, there's a higher chance of you finding or reuniting with them sooner rather than later.
2. Exercise
Hyperactive and energetic dogs are more likely to become stressed by the sounds and actions associated with festivities.
Give your dog enough exercise time during the day so that he won't get restless, unusually active, and curious about the sights and sounds from the people celebrating Halloween at night.
Proper playtime and a good exercise routine will help him to keep calm.
If he's had a good day at the park, he might be too tired to sleep the entire Halloween night off!
3. Keep Your Pets Indoors
With so many people out and about (and many of them dressed in costumes), Halloween can be a very scary night for dogs. You don't want your pup getting freaked out and running away.
When guests arrive or you open your door for trick-or-treaters, your dog could sneak out and run loose.
Make sure that your dog doesn't have access to any open doors in your home.
The best thing to do is kennel your dog or keep him safely in another room until the festivities are over for the night.
3. Dress Rehearsal
If you're planning to have your dog join the Halloween celebration, it's better to do a practice run a few nights before the big event.
This will allow you to see how his Halloween costume fits and whether it will be a good option for the holiday.
A good pet costume should not obstruct your pet's sight or ability to breathe and move comfortably.
You may even find it better to ditch the whole costume idea altogether, since dogs aren't exactly fond of dressing up, according to animal behaviorist Alexandra Horowitz via the New York Times.
RELATED: Easy DIY Halloween Costumes for Dogs
4. Keep Treats Out of Reach
One of the best-known traditions of Halloween is the tasty treats. Unfortunately, this is one part of the holiday that you should NOT share with your dog.
Keep all Halloween treats out of reach of your pets, and ensure that your guests know not to give your dog any snacks.
Your best option is to bring dog-friendly and healthy treats with you if you're trick-or-treating.
This way, your four-legged Halloween sidekick is less likely to accidentally eat the candies that kids sometimes drop on the ground.
Keep a sharp eye on those, too, and make sure your dog never consumes things he's not supposed to.
RELATED: Halloween Treats For Dogs
5. Candy Stash
Speaking of treats, never leave any Halloween stash in areas where your dog can easily reach, such as the chair or coffee table.
Don't underestimate your pet's ability to sniff out and open those chocolate candy wrappers!
Most of these candies contain toxic ingredients that can make your dog severely sick, such as chocolate, gum, or raisins.
The holidays are the most common time for dogs to ingest poisonous substances, so be extra cautious.
6. Secure Decorations and Wires
If you're decorating your house for Halloween, it's best to place the items out of your dog's reach. Alternatively, you can buy and use dog-safe decorations.
Be mindful of wires as well. Chewing wires could result in electrocution!
The safest option is to keep your pet kenneled or in another room when you can't supervise them around holiday decorations. This way, he won't damage your things, and he won't harm himself by consuming fake spider webs or plastic pumpkins.
RELATED: 20 Possible Autumn Dangers for Dogs
7. Pumpkins
While cooked pumpkin can be beneficial to dogs, uncooked decorative pumpkins are going to cause an upset stomach if your dog tries to eat them.
These decorations might contain mycotoxins that are poisonous to dogs, which can lead to neurological problems and other health issues.
Don't set your dog down on the ground or floor next to these things, and keep an eye out for your pup in case he starts sniffing the neighbor's pumpkin decorations!
RELATED: Recipe: Pumpkin and Honey Dog Treats
8. Lights
In the same way, keep lighted Jack-O-Lanterns, as well as battery or electronically powered decorations, out of the dog's reach.
The same applies to Christmas decoration safety; many pets are curious and may chew on them. Your pup could easily chew or pee on these if they're set too low.
These fixtures may short-circuit and accidentally burn, causing damage or harm to the dog or people in the house.
9. Leash
Do not forego the importance of a dog leash when going on your Halloween walk.
All the commotion can be distressing for your pooch. Keep them on a short leash at all times when you're out trick-or-treating.
He has to be close to you so that you can easily swoop him up if there are too many people around.
RELATED: 8 Tips on How to Train a Dog to Walk on a Leash
10. Look for Signs of Stress
Halloween brings with it many strange sounds, smells, and noises.
Even the most even-tempered dog could become stressed or anxious if he sees too many people in weird and scary costumes.
He might try to run off because he doesn't know how to cope with the sensory overload.
If you notice your dog behaving abnormally, it's best to take him back home as soon as possible and give him a quiet space to calm his nerves.
Watch out for any signs of stress that your dog might exhibit, like loss of appetite, excessive licking, and more.
Check out our comprehensive article about dog stress in this article: 20 Signs of Stress in Dogs [Infographic]
11. NO Glow Sticks
As much fun as glow sticks are, they're not safe for dogs.
The liquid that makes them glow is toxic to pets, so never put glow bracelets or necklaces on your dog. They contain dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and can be easily broken with a single bite.
When consumed by a dog, it'll result in profuse drooling, retching, and gagging.
RELATED: What You Need to Know About Poison Prevention for Dogs
12. NO Open Flames
Dogs don't understand the dangers of fire. They may accidentally knock over candles, Jack-o'-lanterns, or other decorations.
Instead of using traditional candles, consider using battery-operated flame alternatives.
They're commonly found in the Halloween section of most stores, and they're much safer than having an open flame.
13. Temporary Confinement
Depending on your dog's temperament, sometimes it might be necessary to confine the pet further in another room or, better yet, his dog crate for a short (specific) period of time while Halloween night is still active.
Since you're going to be opening and closing the main door for a lot of trick-or-treaters, your pooch is more likely to be exposed to stress signals or other dangers.
14. Noises
While fireworks (a dog's worst nightmare) are not as common, some dogs begin reacting negatively when the doorbell rings too often, and on Halloween night, it's going to be impossible to control this noise.
Perhaps turn on the TV loud enough in the room where you're keeping your dog so that the noise from the doorbell won't drive him crazy, or use other dog calming techniques, such as a white noise machine or calming music.
RELATED: Best White Noise Machines for Dogs and Their Anxiety
15. Clean Up
Before Halloween night is over, don't forget to clean up the candy wrappers, easily accessible decorations, and other Halloween stuff that your kids might leave in the kitchen or living room.
The dog is likely to try to eat anything that looks new and interesting, which may land him in the vet clinic!
Dog Halloween Safety FAQs
Is it safe to put your dog in a Halloween costume?
Yes, it’s generally safe as long as the costume fits properly, doesn’t restrict movement, breathing, vision, or hearing, and is free of small parts that can be chewed off.
Always supervise your dog while they’re in costume. If your dog shows signs of stress or discomfort, it’s best to skip it.
RELATED: How to Measure a Dog for Clothing
What to give dogs for Halloween?
Stick to dog-safe treats, such as store-bought dog biscuits, homemade pumpkin snacks (without added sugar or spices), or special Halloween-themed dog treats.
Avoid chocolate, xylitol, raisins, and anything with artificial sweeteners, as they’re toxic to dogs.
RELATED: 5 Toxic Foods for Dogs That You Need To Avoid
Should you walk your dog on Halloween?
You can walk your dog on Halloween, but it’s best to do it earlier in the day before crowds, costumes, and loud noises become overwhelming.
Keep your dog on a short leash and be cautious of dropped candy or decorations on the ground.
Some dogs may prefer to stay indoors where it’s calm and safe.
Halloween Safety Tips for Dogs: Before You Go…
Don't forget to have fun safely in this spooky season!
Following these Halloween safety tips for dogs will ensure that your pup has a memorable and enjoyable holiday.
Want to read more about Halloween preparations for dog owners? Please check out our recommended articles below!
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