Have a Dog-Day Halloween: Pet Safety Tips

Fall has managed to sneak up on us again, so it’s time to start thinking about Halloween pet safety. We all know how adorable dogs can be in costumes, and how our four-legged friends can find the holiday just as exciting as we do. These tips will help ensure that your Halloween will be all treats and no tricks!

There are a lot of ingredients in Halloween candy that may be toxic to pets. Chocolate is a common one, but a less known example is xylitol, which is an artificial sweetener common in many different types of candy. Apple seeds are toxic as well, and there are plenty of those around this time of year. Instead of feeding your dog candy, try a pup-approved recipe and use a treat-dispensing toy for some extra fun!

Stick to Doggy Treats

Candy is not the only danger to beware of. Glow sticks are filled with many different chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide and dibutyl phthalate. Most of them are not deadly if ingested, but they can cause an upset stomach. In the event your pet ingests something dangerous, call the 24-hour ASPCA Animal Poison Control hotline at 888-426-4435.

Dress for Success

It’s important to assure that your Jolly Pet enjoys his or her costume as much as you do. Some things to keep in mind:

• Try it on your pet the day before.
• Make sure your dog can see, hear, eat, drink, and bark in the costume.
• Sometimes simple is better. A colorful bandanna can go a long way.
• Costumes can be covered in small or dangling pieces which can become choking hazards.

Decorations

Though your dog may be the perfect centerpiece to your Halloween display, it may be best to keep him or her inside. There are a lot of people out in the evening, and your beloved pet might become the target of a prank or worse. The volume of people can be enough to spook your pup, but makeup and costumes can obscure a dog's ability to smell, which can cause them to experience fear, anxiety, or confusion. It’s important as ever to make sure that their registration is up to date and they are wearing tags just in case they sneak away in all the excitement.

One of the most iconic of all Halloween decorations is the Jack-o'-Lantern, but try to puppy-proof them as much as possible. Lit candles left unsupervised can be easily knocked over leading to a risk of fire or injury. 

Have Fun

The most important tip of all is to just keep an eye on your pet and use your judgement. Monitor their mood to identify any signs of stress. Beyond that, make sure you all have fun! Share your pup’s Halloween picture on social media with #JollyDog.