Top 7 Tips for a Fun and Safe Halloween with Your Pet

Halloween is a fun night for kids, including our furry kids! Halloween also comes with challenges for all kids, including the furry ones. As the owner of a pet boarding facility and a breeder who offers both Anatolian Shepherds and Border Collie puppies for sale in Virginia I have a lot of experience dealing with dogs in difficult situations. Below are my top seven tips to help your pet have a happy and safe Halloween.

Should your dog wear a costume? Ask yourself: Will he enjoy hamming it up and getting extra attention or is donning a costume an act of total humiliation? You know your dog, you decide. Make sure the costume does not restrict your pooches walking, breathing and sight. Maybe a festive bandana would be more comfortable for your pet, and it might be a safer choice. Don’t leave him unattended in his costume. Definitely don’t leave more than one dog alone in their costumes. They may become each others chew toys. Also, be aware that your dog’s canine friends may not recognize him and go on the attack. Give them a few minutes identify one another before they are too close.

Even the most social dogs will want a break from the constant door bell ringing and parade of strangers to your house, so you may want to create a safe retreat for your dog. For the stressed out or protective types, you may consider starting the evening with a nice long walk or ball retrieving session before the costumed kids come out onto the street. You can put your pet in a crate in your bedroom or a kennel in your garage.

Try turning up the television or radio and close the curtains to minimize the sounds of excited children. Another option for the nervous dog is to let him spend the night at a kennel. If you have your own kids, or just a lot of neighborhood trick or treaters, you may not have the time and energy it takes to help your dog stay calm. A night at the kennel would allow both you and your dog to have a calm, fun Halloween.

Pet-proofing decorations is a big part of Halloween pet safety. Hide all electrical cords so your dog doesn’t chew on them. Open flames in Jack o’ Lanterns can create a spooky atmosphere, but could be knocked over by a waging tail or inspected by a curious nose. Remember our four legged family members use their noses and mouths to ‘check things out’.

If you are sure your pet wants to participate in the festivities make sure you keep him on a leash. Check and recheck your dog’s collar and make sure you have his microchip number handy. There will be a lot more confusion this night so you don’t want your pet to get separated from you. If you are at home handing out candy, keep him on a leash or behind a child- gate, so he doesn’t dart out to see what all the excitement is about.

Be careful with human costumes. Costumes, especially ones that have been tried on and smell like your family members will be of special interest to your pet. Ingesting your costume or his doggie costume could mean a long night at the pet emergency room.

Never leave your pets outdoors unattended on Halloween night, even in your own backyard. People have been known to play mean tricks on dogs and cats, even in the nicest neighborhoods.

Be sure you are extra vigilant about picking up candy and keeping it above counter surfing level. Candy, with all that sugar, artificial sweeteners and chocolate can be toxic, even fatal to dogs. Be a on the lookout for fallen and discarded candy on the sidewalk and in yards when you go for a walk after the festivities. If you are concerned your pet may have eaten something toxic, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Halloween can be a fun holiday that the entire family can enjoy! By following my simple steps for Halloween pet safety everyone can have a good time this Halloween. If you are looking for Anatolian Shepherds or Border Collie puppies for sale in Virginia, or if you live in the Richmond area and would like to reserve a night at our kennel for Halloween, give us a call at (804)795-9415.