6 WAYS TO MAKE HALLOWEEN SAFE AND FUN FOR YOUR DOG
The author's dog wearing a simple and safe Halloween costume. Patti Lawson
Halloween is around the corner, and people everywhere are looking forward to being scared (almost) to death and dressing up in silly and frightening costumes. The same is not true for dogs, however. The mischief and pranks for which the holiday is infamous present a myriad of potential safety challenges that can take dogs and their owners completely by surprise. If you want to include your dog in your Halloween celebration, make it an event that is safe and enjoyable for both of you. Here are some tips:
1. People love Halloween candy and so do dogs, but while candy is a great treat for us, dog owners need to make sure that it's not accessible to their animals. Most owners know that chocolate is poisonous for dogs, but so is almost everything else that you'd find in a trick-or-treat bag. Artificial sweeteners, raisins and other candy items can mean serious health hazards or even death for dogs. The wrappers can be ingested and cause choking. Keep healthy, natural-ingredient dog treats on hand for your dog and other dogs that might show up at your door.
2. Your dog potentially could be hit by eggs or other thrown objects if left out in the yard alone. It's better to be safe than sorry. Keep your dog safe from Halloween tricks by keeping it in the house and not alone in the backyard.
3. If you're having a party, make sure your dog is either at your side or in another room. The latter is the better option. Dogs are curious about strangers in the home, and even familiar people can cause confusion and stress when dressed strangely. Dogs may be frightened by unusual costumes, especially those with flashing lights or odd sounds such as a monster voice or high-pitched witch's screech. A party also presents additional food challenges. Make sure the human treats--especially alcoholic drinks--are not accessible to your dog.
4. Decorations and dogs are usually a bad pairing. New objects in the house are likely to arouse your dog's curiosity, and it could get tangled on light cords or accidentally knock over candles. Cornstalks and pumpkins look great outside, but could be tempting chewing material if within your dog's reach in your home. If your dog swallows any of these substances, it might suffer an upset stomach or more serious intestinal problems.
5. If your dog is OK with wearing a costume, make sure the costume is comfortable, not too warm, and doesn't have any parts that could be chewed, swallowed or tripped on. Have your dog try on the costume a few times before the big night, and if it seems uncomfortable, allergic, or frightened, don't force the issue. A Halloween bandana or an orange collar and leash are good alternatives for dogs who don't like costumes for elaborate costumes.
6. Loud noises can be alarming. Most dogs react to the doorbell anytime it rings, so the constant ringing of trick-or-treaters can grow unsettling. Dogs tend to be suspicious of any strangers at the door, and they won't make an exceptions for Halloween. Keep your dog in a different part of the house during trick-or-treat hours. Otherwise it can become aggressive or run out the door when it's opened.

Halloween is around the corner, and people everywhere are looking forward to being scared (almost) to death and dressing up in silly and frightening costumes. The same is not true for dogs, however. The mischief and pranks for which the holiday is infamous present a myriad of potential safety challenges that can take dogs and their owners completely by surprise. If you want to include your dog in your Halloween celebration, make it an event that is safe and enjoyable for both of you. Here are some tips:
1. People love Halloween candy and so do dogs, but while candy is a great treat for us, dog owners need to make sure that it's not accessible to their animals. Most owners know that chocolate is poisonous for dogs, but so is almost everything else that you'd find in a trick-or-treat bag. Artificial sweeteners, raisins and other candy items can mean serious health hazards or even death for dogs. The wrappers can be ingested and cause choking. Keep healthy, natural-ingredient dog treats on hand for your dog and other dogs that might show up at your door.
2. Your dog potentially could be hit by eggs or other thrown objects if left out in the yard alone. It's better to be safe than sorry. Keep your dog safe from Halloween tricks by keeping it in the house and not alone in the backyard.
3. If you're having a party, make sure your dog is either at your side or in another room. The latter is the better option. Dogs are curious about strangers in the home, and even familiar people can cause confusion and stress when dressed strangely. Dogs may be frightened by unusual costumes, especially those with flashing lights or odd sounds such as a monster voice or high-pitched witch's screech. A party also presents additional food challenges. Make sure the human treats--especially alcoholic drinks--are not accessible to your dog.
4. Decorations and dogs are usually a bad pairing. New objects in the house are likely to arouse your dog's curiosity, and it could get tangled on light cords or accidentally knock over candles. Cornstalks and pumpkins look great outside, but could be tempting chewing material if within your dog's reach in your home. If your dog swallows any of these substances, it might suffer an upset stomach or more serious intestinal problems.
5. If your dog is OK with wearing a costume, make sure the costume is comfortable, not too warm, and doesn't have any parts that could be chewed, swallowed or tripped on. Have your dog try on the costume a few times before the big night, and if it seems uncomfortable, allergic, or frightened, don't force the issue. A Halloween bandana or an orange collar and leash are good alternatives for dogs who don't like costumes for elaborate costumes.
6. Loud noises can be alarming. Most dogs react to the doorbell anytime it rings, so the constant ringing of trick-or-treaters can grow unsettling. Dogs tend to be suspicious of any strangers at the door, and they won't make an exceptions for Halloween. Keep your dog in a different part of the house during trick-or-treat hours. Otherwise it can become aggressive or run out the door when it's opened.