Halloween Tips for Dogs & Their Owners

Halloween can be a frightening time for family pets - dogs and cats alike.  Each Halloween, veterinarians and emergency cents see pet injuries that could have been easily avoided.   Just like the Fourth of July, human celebrations of this holiday increases the amount of strays that arrive in our shelters.

Here are some ways you can make this holiday safer for your family pet:

• Find a secure place in your home to keep your pets, especially if you're giving out candy to trick-or-treaters. Many dogs get loose when the door opens, and the presence of little (and big) costumed people often scares animals, increasing the chance a family pet will become frightened, bolt and then get hit by cars in their flight of fear.  Consider putting a baby or doggie gate across your front door on the inside which will prevent a slightly opened door providing a means to escape.  Or consider crating your pet, which can make them feel more secure and reduce chances of accidental escapes.  Provide chew toys, a favorite blanket, a piece of clothing with your scent on it or whatever else comforts your pet.
• Make sure your dog is wearing an up-to-date I.D. tag.  TLC dogs are provided with an IDTag.com, a product we highly recommend.
• If your dog has any aggressive tendencies, fear of loud noises, or a habit of excessive barking, place him in a quiet room as far away from your front door as possible at least a half-hour before trick-or-treaters arrive.  If the doorbell causes your pet to bark, for your own peace of mind and their serenity, consider simply turning on your porch light and leaving the candies in a bowl for Trick-or-treaters to simply help themselves without the need to ring your doorbell.  Hours spent throughout the night trying to locate your pet just time will convince you this might be a better way of handling the candy!
• If you must have your dog near the door to great visitors, keeping him on a long training leash with the handle tied to your belt or around your waist.  This tool can avoid an accidental lunge at a costumed visitor or escape when your hands are full with door knobs and candy bowls.
• Bring your pets indoors.  It's a bad idea to leave dogs out in the yard; in addition to the parade of holiday celebrants frightening and agitating them, there have been reports of taunting, poisonings and pet thefts.
• Walk your dogs at least half an hour before the visitors begin and if you walk them late at night, take along a flashlight to light your way - insure your dogs doesn't find candy treats or wrappers left behind by some child - these abound especially on this holiday!
• Explain to everyone in your home (including kids) how dangerous treats are to pets. Take young children's candy supply and put it somewhere out of reach of pets. Caution children about leaving candy wrappers on the floor.   Dispose of candy wrappers before your pets get to them, since the wrappers can cause choking or intestinal obstruction. Make sure the dogs can't get into the trash or trash cans without lids that contain wrappers and nice smells of candy. Note --- chocolate contains theobromine, which can cause nerve damage and even death in dogs. The darker the chocolate, the more concentrated it is -- and the smaller the lethal dose. If you notice any symptoms of chocolate poisoning, go to your vet or an emergency vet right away because your pet's life may be in danger:
  • Excessive drooling
  • Excessive urination
  • Pupil dilation
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Vomiting and diarrhea
  • Hyperactivity
  • Muscle tremors and seizures
  • Coma

Other resources to view:

• Chocolate toxicity in dogs - how much is too much?
• ASPCA - Halloween safety tips
• Why chocolate poisons dogs and how to treat chocolate poisoning