Halloween is just around the corner. Children are full of excitement trying to decide what character they will dress up as on Halloween. Also, they are filled with anticipation over the amount of candy they will receive from trick or treating.
As exciting as Halloween is for children, it can be dangerous for your dog. Let’s explore some ways you can keep your dog safe on Halloween.
Costumes
Many dog owners treat their dogs as if they were children. I know I did. When deciding whether or not to dress your dog in a Halloween costume, make sure your dog loves it. My Golden Retriever was too large and I just didn’t think it was a good idea for him. I would just put a Halloween decorated bandanna on him.
Try the costume on the night before. Make sure the costume doesn’t restrict your dog’s breathing or any movement of his body. If your dog shows any signs of distress, choose not to put a costume on your dog. Also, it’s a good idea not to have anything hanging from the costume that can be chewed by your dog.
Tick-or-Treating – Not For Your Dog
Many people leave a bowl of candy out for trick-o-treaters. Please keep the candy out of the reach of your dog. All kinds of chocolate 
are very dangerous for your dog. Dark Chocolate and sugar-free candies containing a sugar substitute can cause serious problems for your dog. If you suspect your dog has eaten something toxic, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control center at (888) 426-4435 immediately.
Halloween Decorations
As soon as October rolls around, we run to the pumpkin farm to pick out the perfect pumpkin. If you use candles to light up your jack-o-lanterns, please keep them off the floor or out of the reach of your dog. Your dog my knock it over and a lit candle can burn your dog or start a fire.
Also, some Halloween plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn can be toxic for your dog.
Halloween decorations powered by electricity can be safer than candles, but there is always the possibility of your dog chewing the wire. Batteries, if chewed, can cause chemical burns or gastro problems. Keeping these decorations out of the reach of your dog is also a good way to keep your dog safe.
My Golden was so curious he would always be sniffing around the decorations and pumpkins. So I had to hang the decorations high and put the pumpkins way out of his reach.
Halloween Can Be Stressful For Your Dog
On Halloween you can expect more visitors (trick-or-treaters) than on a normal day. Having this extra traffic and seeing the various costumes the trick-or-treaters are wearing can be very stressful for most dogs. Keep your dog away from the door when trick-or-treaters arrive. If possible, keeping your dog in another room would be ideal.
Please make sure your dog has his ID tags on, in the event your dog should run out the door.
Keep Your Dog Indoors
On Halloween, the pranksters come out. Some are vicious and mean to do harm. Many animals are teased, harmed, killed or stolen on Halloween. Please keep your dog in the house where it will be safe.
No Glow Sticks
Many trick-or-treaters like to use glow sticks to give them some light and keep them safe while trick-o-treating. Glow sticks are not toxic, but if your dog chews a glow stick, your dog may become agitated or vomit.
If your dog chews a glow stick have him drink some water.
Enjoy Halloween
If you have children or if you are a big child yourself, you want to enjoy Halloween. We take many precautions for our children on Halloween, why not do the same for your dog. After all, they too are our children.
Don’t you agree?
Be safe and keep your dog safe. Enjoy Halloween.
I’ve always thought Halloween to be an unsettling time for dogs, it’s great to see such an informative article on preparing your dog for Halloween, I know in my house our dog constantly needs attention & reassurance due to the loud noises caused by fireworks, have you got any tips for helping your dog through the noisy night of fireworks?
When I had my dog I used to close all the windows, put on the a/c, put the television or radio on a little louder. I would sit with him in a room with everything closed. I know someone who sat in the bathroom and put the dog in the bathtub with the door closed. You can get anti-anxiety medication from your veterinarian. Being with the dog is a big help.
My current dog is not a ceremonial type that can follow me to a noicy and crowdy event unlike the formal on, patience. He can’t be settled for this Halloween of a thing untill after I know how to deal with it very well. It will like it when locked inside a neat room with good food before going out. I love those tips you mentioned in this review. Some will surely be of help for me.
Thanks. I hope they help.