When Howl-o-ween is around the corner, it comes natural to want to include Rover in the spookiest event of the year. However, it’s best to practice caution, as each year, dogs are exposed to many hazards that can turn out being much scarier than the festivity alone. To keep your dog safe this year, use extra caution and keep in consideration the following hazards.
Halloween Candy
Candles
Open Doors
Trick-or-treaters
Glow sticks
Costumes
Your kids may be looking forward to eating all the candy, but watch out, Rover will want to join in the fun. Problem is, candy is not healthy for dogs, and in some cases, can even cause much more than the average tummy upset. Chocolate contains theobromine which is known for being toxic to dogs. According to VCA Animal Hospital, baker’s chocolate and high-quality dark chocolate contain the highest amount of theobromine, followed by milk chocolate; whereas, white chocolate barely poses a threat other than its abundance of fat and sugar content. Chocolate though isn’t the only offender. Xylitol, a natural sweetener, found in gum and other types of sweets, is also known for being a threat to our companions, explains the Pet Poison Helpline.
You may invest in candles to add an eerie feel to your home, and you may also keep a Jack-o’-lantern by the front steps, but these can pose a big risk to pets whose fur can easily catch fire. And the danger isn’t only towards your dog, kids can get their costumes on fire too. On top of that, Rover can easily knock down a lit pumpkin. It’s best to play it safe and keep lit candles and jack-o-lanterns out of the reach of children or pets.
Repeatedly opening and closing doors for trick-or-treaters can offer an opportunity for Rover to bolt out. It just takes a second of distraction and your dog may be loose and free on the unsafe roads in the dark. Best to keep your dog on leash if you want him to be part of the festivity, or even better, behind a baby gate. And don’t forget to always have him wear his collar with his ID tags, especially if you are taking him out and about.
Sure Rover loves guests, but he may have different thoughts about loud guests wearing odd costumes and masks. Even the most mellow dog may act out of character if he or she is exposed to people that appear odd and scary. Be extra cautious of how your dog reacts to trick-or-treaters. Better play it safe and not let anybody approach him if you are not sure how he may react.
Glow sticks and glow jewelry seem perfect to wear on a spooky night, but make sure your dog doesn’t have access to them. To your dog, these items may look like the perfect chew toys, but consider that the glowing material inside may be harmful to him. According to the Helpline, the glowing material isn’t exactly toxic, in the real sense of the word, but it tastes quite bad and may cause drooling, retching and other dramatic signs.
There are sure loads of costumes for pet available nowadays, but they aren’t meant to be left on your dog unsupervised. Your dog may get stuck in it, rip it to pieces, ingest parts or choke on them, or he may suffocate in trying to remove it. Your dog’s costume is meant to be shown to others and not to be enjoyed alone, so make sure he is always supervised when wearing it. Don’t forget to consider your dog’s temperament as well though; some dogs are very mellow and may do just fine wearing a costume, others may easily panic and get stressed out.
The Bottom Line
Last but not least, have a Happy Halloween!