Dear Friends,
Halloween is a fun time of year for everyone but can be a little FRIGHTENING for our furry family members. The following tips came from my vet and I wanted to share them with all of you.
Here are some tips to make Halloween fun and safe for them too.
BRING YOUR DOG INDOORS
Even if you have a fenced yard, bring your dog inside where he cannot be harmed or overwhelmed by little ghouls and goblins. If he is an outside dog, bring him in a few times before the big night to get him comfortable with being indoors. Remember, it is a natural instinct for dogs to protect the family from strangers, and on Halloween there will be plenty of strangers!
KEEP YOUR DOG RESTRAINED
If your dog is timid or scared, or if he tends to love people a little to much, put him in a separate room away from the front door. This will limit his excitement, aggression or chance of running outside and getting lost or injured.
HAVE YOUR DOG GET USED TO COSTUMES
Your dog may regard his family members as strangers once they don their Halloween costumes. Before the kids put them on, allow your dog to scent the costumes. Keep masks off while your dog is around.
CHECK YOUR DOG’S ID TAG
Be sure identification tags are secure on your dog’s collar-just in case.
KEEP CANDY AWAY FROM YOUR DOG
Many candies–especially those containing chocolate or xylitol, an artificial sweetener– are toxic to dogs. Problems can range from a mild upset tummy to vomiting and diarrhea or even death. For your dog’s safety, be sure to keep all sweets and their wrappers well away from him.
PROTECT DOGS FROM CANDLES AND PUMPKINS
Agitated or excited dogs (and their swinging tails) can easily knock over a lit candle or pumpkin. Keep such items out of your dog’s reach, or consider using a battery powered candle that does not burn.
THINK TWICE ABOUT DRESSING YOUR DOG IN COSTUME
While some dogs do enjoy being dressed up, many don’t. Experient first to see if yur dog likes being in a costume. If he shows any resistance, don’t do it. Tie a fun bandana around his neck and he’ll be happier and safer.
CONSIDER CAREFULLY AND BE PREPARED
Think carefully about taking your dog with you on trick or treating rounds. You may unintentionally instill a new fear of strangers in him, creating a wariness that could last long past the holiday. If you do take your dog, keep a firm grip on his leash. Dogs do not understand that the person jumping out at you will not hurt you; they often think they can only help you by acting aggressively. Neither children nor adults in costumes should approach a dog without the owner’s consent.
Bogie and Baby will be wearing cute Halloween themed bandannas that I made from remnants from the fabric store. Cute and cheap!
Happy Halloween from Dorla, Bogie, Baby and everyone at K9Medicinals.com.