CommunityNews a TV, radio, or white noise machine to dull the sound of the doorbell and exuberant trick or treaters. Or better yet, pre-empt the doorbell by sitting outside and intercepting children before they reach your front door.
SECURE ANY POTENTIAL ESCAPE ROUTES
If your dog stays with you and is calmly greeting the trick or treaters, keep them safely on a short leash. That way, they cannot dart out the door after visitors and you have control over their movements, in case something triggers an aggressive action.
If your dog historically becomes agitated when strangers visit, Halloween will only exacerbate their anxieties. Some dogs get so worked up that they pace, bark, and whine all evening. It is no fun for you or your dog for them to be miserable and anxious all evening. You may consider asking your veterinarian to prescribe a mild sedative. As a practice run, give the medication before Halloween night to assess the impact on your dog.
Lit candles in jack-O-lanterns become fire hazards when toppled by a curious canine. Fall-colored corn cobs are pretty, but they can obstruct the intestinal tract and often require surgical removal. Decorative holiday lights may brighten your porch but remember to keep both lights and power cords out of your dog’ s reach. Nibbling on electrical cords can be shocking!
Halloween can be lots of fun, so, go ahead— buy the candy, plan the costume, map out your trick-or-treat route, decorate the house. Just keep your dog in mind as you prepare for Halloween, so that the entire family has a good, safe time.
KEEP HALLOWEEN TREATS AWAY FROM YOUR PET
Resist the temptation to share Halloween candy with your pet. In fact, keep all candy safely out of reach.
Chocolate in all forms can be very dangerous for dogs, as can candy or gum artificially sweetened with xylitol( see handouts“ Chocolate Poisoning in Dogs” and“ Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs”).
Plus, dogs may gobble up candy wrappers and all. Cellophane or foil wrappers are big trouble when swallowed. Even natural treats like caramel apples and raisins should be off limits. Intestinal upsets, GI blockages, and pancreatitis can result when your pet eats items not normally on their menu.
DECORATE WITH SAFETY IN MIND
Festive decorations set the Halloween mood but can pose health risks for your dog. While nontoxic, pumpkin and pumpkin seeds can upset a pet’ s stomach, especially when consumed in large quantities.
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