Whether it’s the spooky costumes, candy corn, or scary movie marathons, Halloween is a fun-filled holiday that the whole family enjoys. So, it’s no surprise that pet parents want to let their dogs in on the festivities! To ensure that your furry friend has a safe and happy Halloween, here are five scary-good tips to help your dog steer clear of all the “double, double toil and trouble” from the big day!
Sorry, Fido…No Candy for You!
If you’re the type that sneaks your pup human food (don’t worry, we won’t tell anyone), don’t be surprised to get the “puppy-dog eyes” for a piece of candy. After all, Halloween isn’t Halloween without tasty treats!
As you probably know, chocolate isn’t very good for your tail-wagger’s tummy. In addition, any candy containing Xylitol (a sugar substitute) can be just as toxic for your dog. It's best to stick to doggy treats or a toy to keep them busy for the night.
Keep Calm and Scare On
From a dog’s perspective, Halloween can be scary. With weirdly-dressed strangers ringing your doorbell and shouting about candy, it’s hard to blame your pup for feeling a little spooked!
Thankfully, there are ways to keep your dog calm, cool, and collected during all the Halloween hustle and bustle. Consider a natural health supplement with ingredients like Chamomile and L-Theanine to help your dog feel more relaxed when those trick-or-treaters come knocking. If your dog is especially prone to Halloween-induced stress, a supplement containing Melatonin is a great way to help your dog catch some shuteye if the holiday felt like a nightmare!
Excessive barking a problem? Learn tips how to combat barking problems here.
Do Pups and Pumpkins Mix?
Candy isn’t the only thing your fur-baby might get into on Halloween night. It's best to keep your festive decor and pumpkins out of paw's reach. We wouldn't want them to mistake your fun decorations for a new chew toy!
Dressing for the Occasion
Costumed dogs are always a hit! Not only do they look hilariously adorable, but sometimes they even seem to enjoy the extra attention. So, if you plan on picking out a fun Halloween costume for your furry friend, make sure Fido likes it too!
When you’re picking out a costume, try not to squeeze your little furball into an undersized costume. Doing so might make them feel uncomfortable and restrict their movement. Also, make sure that the costume doesn’t have any easy-to-chew parts that could cause a choking hazard.
We recommend trying the costume on your dog before the big night to make sure your pup doesn’t mind wearing it. If they really hate it, and you really want to deck out your doggo for the holiday, consider something like tying a festive bandana instead.
Got Proper Identification?
Did you know that pets go missing on Halloween more than any other national holiday except the 4th of July? Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind as you plan for Halloween night:
- If you’re staying at home and handing out candy, make sure you keep your four-legged friend away from the front door. Even well-behaved dogs might get a little jumpy under the Halloween circumstances and bolt out the door.
- If your pet does manage to sneak outside, having proper identification will greatly increase the chances you get your pup back safe and sound. Make sure your pet has a collar, a microchip, and a dog tag listing his or her name with a phone number.
We hope these tips help you and your pet have a happy and spooky Halloween! If you have any additional questions or comments, please reach out to us at (800)-940-1972 or bark@zestypaws.com and we’ll gladly help.