At Lucid, we always want to promote doing what’s best for dogs, and we have some helpful tips to use this Halloween.
1. Your kids understand what it means not to eat all of their candy at once… your dog will never get this concept.
Chocolate and sugar should never be in a dog’s diet, and candy bags end up full of both by the end of the evening. Most pet owners already understand that candy shouldn’t be given to dogs, but many pet owners miss the mark when stashing the candy bag at the end of the night. After all, no one (the trick-or-treaters, parents, or dog) would feel good about an empty candy sack on November 1. And, of course, chocolate is actually toxic to dogs.
2. Keep dogs safe and inside.
If the dog traditionally roams a fenced backyard or goes out on a long lead during the day, bring the pooch inside for the evening. Between the spooky noises, strange sights, and sometimes dangerous pranks, dogs can be at risk for Halloween trickery. Keep the pup inside, crated if necessary, and be careful not to use “codling” behavior that actually reinforces fear in nervous or scared dogs.
3. Watch out for decor dangers.
Both inside and out, decor changes for the seasons, and the rules are no different for Halloween. Orange twinkle lights adorn banisters, scarecrows perch on porches, and outdoor flowers are suddenly brought indoors. Dogs oftentimes see these objects, become curious, and think, “Whoa, that’s new! Can I put it in my mouth?”
4. Carved pumpkins don’t have to be lit with fire.
Pumpkins smell pretty funky, especially when they’ve been hollowed out and carved into strange shapes. Add flickering, attractive light, and that pumpkin has become a honing beacon for a variety of trouble from animals. Consider using LED candles in place of fire-burning candles, as they are safer, inexpensive, and reusable.
5. Consider pet costumes carefully.
Although most dogs can handle playing dress-up for a few hours, some dogs will absolutely lose their minds when the costumes are taken out. Consider whether a costume would be more for your enjoyment or your pet’s detriment. If the dog struggles and puts up a fight with the costume, it’s not worth it. The only thing that will happen is the dog will become mistrusting, fearful, and suspicious of the person putting the costume on them.
Image from: Geek Tyrant