Halloween Safety Tips for Dogs

You’ve decided not to trick or treat this year, no worries. You’ll be home handing out candy to scary goblins and ghosts–how fun! Should your dog accompany you to the front door of horror? Muahaha. Sorry, I could not resist. 🙂 If so, read these tips before you answer your door.

Put a flat buckle collar with current ID tags on your dog

If your dog runs out the front door, their ID tags will identify him and his address for safe return. Make sure ID tags are current before Halloween night. Many large pet retail chains have ID tag kiosks, which instantly create them while you wait.

Keep your dog leashed

Attach a leash to your dog and make sure you securely hold or step on the other end of the leash. Remember, children are enthusiastically screaming “Trick or treat,” which can startle even the friendliest dog. Also, while handing out candy, you want to prevent your dog from sneaking out the front door.

Keep candy and treats away from your dog

Keep the candy bowl up high so your dog can’t steal bits of Halloween treats. Chocolate and xylitol (very common sugar substitute) can be fatal to dogs so instead provide him with a luscious and festive food stuffed toy. Check out my favorite Halloween food stuffing recipe here.

Keep costumes simple

Yes, it’s adorable seeing a Rottweiler wearing a pumpkin hat or devil horns. I will admit it! But, if your dog is uncomfortable wearing a costume, then remove it. Instead, tie a Halloween bandana around his neck. Some even glow in the dark! There are Halloween flat collars too. Just don’t forget to attach a current ID tag to it. 🙂

Refrain from scaring your dog

If your dog becomes frightened at anytime, give him a place to calm down, such as his crate or back room. Constantly exposing your dog to frightening things will not cause him to get over it. In fact, it will make it much worse.

When in doubt, give your dog a place to chill out

If all the festivities are tiring your dog out, give him a calm and quiet place to relax.

Happy Halloween! Be safe and have tons of fun!