Keeping your dog safe and happy during Halloween
Posted by Matt Sadler
Halloween can be an interesting time of year for dogs – with trick or treaters knocking at the door, strange costumes, and lots of off-limit food around. Taking a few simple precautions can ensure that this is a happy and healthy time for dogs.
1. Fancy dress is for humans
Unfortunately, dogs don’t think fancy dress is as funny as humans do! Leave the hats, masks, wigs etc to the people and let the dogs stay out of the way in a calm spot.
2. Keep chocolate and sweets out of reach
Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine which is poisonous to dogs. Sweets contain sugar which can be harmful, and some sweets contain xylitol which is very poisonous to dogs so keep these out of reach.
3. Be careful of lit pumpkins
Many people enjoy putting candles inside carved pumpkins but be aware that an excitable tail may knock a pumpkin over and some dogs may even try to eat the pumpkin! Keep them out of reach just in case.
4. Beware of trick or treaters
We can expect strangers to knock at the door more frequently than normal, and in costumes, so be aware that this can be unsettling for dogs.
Avoid letting your dog go to the door if you answer and make sure they feel secure in a quiet and safe environment.
5. Be aware of choke hazards
At Halloween there are often more objects around that, if swallowed or inhaled, could obstruct a dog’s airway.
Sweet wrappers, small parts of costumes, decorations and hard sweets all have the potential to cause a blockage and require surgical intervention.
Signs of an obstruction could include the dog going off their food, vomiting, lethargy, constipation or not going to the toilet at all.
6. Consider walking at a different time
If you usually walk the dog in the early evening, consider changing the time of your walk on Halloween. By making it earlier you might be able to avoid the rush of trick or treaters who may be in costume.
7. Fireworks
Remember, remember that Halloween falls just a few days before Bonfire Night and fireworks are available in the lead up to both. Be aware that loud bangs and sudden bright lights may spook your dog and take all necessary precautions.
8. Turn up the TV
Increasing background noise could help to reduce your dog’s awareness of unusual sounds outside including fireworks.
9. Be child aware
On Halloween your dog is likely to come into contact with more children than usual. Even if your dog is normally very good with children, be aware that all is far from normal to your dog at Halloween. Costumes, painted faces, spooky noises and screams can all contribute to a very stressful experience.
10. Have the number of your dog’s vet to hand
If your dog has eaten chocolate, lots of sweets or items which may obstruct their airway, contact emergency phone immediately for advice. The vet will need to know what was eaten, how much and when.
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