Trick or Treat

Halloween is upon us and this weekend our homes will be invaded by ghosts and goblins of all shapes and sizes.  This can be a stressful time for our dogs.  Be sure to keep them in mind when planning your Halloween festivities.  Below are a few helpful hints to keep them safe.

 Halloween Candy – it's a good idea to keep your Halloween loot up high.  If you don't already have a table near your door, try moving one there for Halloween night.  A high sided decorative bowl will keep little noses and paws out of the candy too.  Chocolate and artificial sweeteners like xylitol can be very toxic to dogs but don't forget about your wrappers!  Wrappers that are ingested can cause choking, upset stomachs or blockages. 

 Halloween Decorations – if you have a dog who likes to chew, keep that in mind when decorating for Halloween.  Keep extension cords hidden and out of the way.  Keep an eye on your pumpkin Halloween night.  Most people use a candle to light their pumpkins and a curious dog might knock it over and become a fire hazard.

 Trick or Treaters – every dog is different so keep in mind your dog's habits when someone comes to the door.  Some dogs bark at the doorbell or a knock at the door.  This can become a problem if you live in a high traffic area and have lots of trick or treaters.  Also, some dogs like to dart out an open door to greet the visitors.  If you have a nervous dog, they might be a bit stressed over all the costumes as well.  It's a good idea to keep your dog in a secure area during the hullabaloo.  A spare room, exercise pen, behind a baby gate or their crate would be a great place to spend the night.  Set them up with a few toys, a nice bed and try giving them a new bone like a tarter buster or rawhide.  Keeping them occupied will make for a safe and quiet night. 

 If your dog has basic obedience training, commands like "Leave It" or "Wait" will come in handy when handing out treats Halloween night.

 Have a Safe and Happy Halloween!