**Posting a bit early this year**
Halloween Safety Tips for Dog Families
More dogs die or run away from home on Halloween than any other holiday!
Here are some ideas to help keep YOUR dog safe on Halloween:
1) Beware of the candy!
Keep it in sealed containers and out of reach of your dog. If your dog can get to it, he will! Remember that chocolate … even in small amounts … can be deadly to some dogs. Empty candy wrappers can be just as dangerous to your dog. He will go after those wrappers and they can get stuck in the digestive track and make him ill or cause death, so be sure your trash is not accessible to your pet. Be sure to remind your kids not to share their treats with the family pets!
2) Carefully choose a costume!
It is best to leave your dog at home when you go trick-or-treating. But if your dog is going trick or treating with you, the best costume for your dog is simply a holiday bandana. Be careful of any costumes that restrict your dog’s vision. Dogs depend upon their peripheral vision to know what is going on around them. Even the nicest of dogs can get snippy if unable to see what’s around him. Plus be sure any costume doesn’t hang down to the ground, causing your dog to stumble. Also be sure your dog’s costume is fire retardant in case your dog comes into contact with pumpkins lit with candles, luminaries, etc.
If you do take your dog with you while trick-or-treating, be prepared at all times and maintain constant control of your dog. Don't let your dog go to the door of a house. Stay aware of your surroundings! Dogs don't understand that the person jumping out at you saying "Boo!" won't hurt you. The dog may think he/she needs to protect you, and may act aggressively towards that person (whether adult or child).
3) Watch the decorations!
Make sure all decorations are out of your dog’s reach. Beware of small and shiny objects that will attract your dog, who will want to chew it. You don’t want to end the night with a trip to an emergency vet hospital!
4) Best thing to do: Keep your dog in a safe place!
Halloween is a very anxious time for most dogs. Lots of doorbells ringing, kids screaming “Trick or Treat”, doors constantly being opened and closed, and lots of activity (and candy) that can lead to trouble. On top of that, many families love dressing up their dog, but the dog doesn't really like it. From the excitement and added stress, dogs often escape from their homes on Halloween, or may bite a child who comes to your door, or eats a basket of candy. There are so many ways a bad thing can happen to your pet that afternoon or evening!
So put your dog in a safe place in your home … or at least on a leash that you hold onto each time the door is opened. And be sure your dog is wearing ID tags .... just in case.
Have a ghoulishly fun .... and SAFE ... Halloween!
*Thank you to People Magazine for this informative article*
