Halloween can be spooky fun for kids of all ages — but for your dog, it can be just plain spooky. And potentially dangerous.
But let’s talk about the fun first. Depending on your dog’s personality, a doggie costume may be just the thing to make your Halloween memorable. But don’t assume your dog will love their costume as much as you do! Give it a test-run first to make sure your dog will tolerate it, and don’t go any longer than a minute or two at first in order to gauge your dog’s comfort level. Make the experience a positive one by giving them lots of praise, positive reinforcement and treats.
Joey, and before him, Casey, were the sorts of dogs who didn’t object to something on their heads: a set of antlers, bunny ears, a pointed wizard’s hat — but your pup might not be so forgiving! No matter what, avoid costumes that restrict movement, are cumbersome, or have dangling parts that dogs could chew off and swallow. Stick to one or two items rather than subjecting your dog to wearing an entire Halloween wardrobe. What’s wrong with a festive bandana with pumpkins on it or a dog-sized witch’s cape? If your dog will tolerate having something on or around her head, think about something like a fake lion’s mane.
The key with any costume is the dog’s well-being: if he exhibits any signs of stress — tucked ears or tail, “whale eyes” where you can see the whites of their eyes, avoiding eye contact altogether, lip-licking — take the costume off and put it away.
Treats are always a part of Halloween, so why not bake (or pick up at your local pet store) a batch of homemade Halloween pet cookies? Think about heading to a local dogs-allowed pumpkin patch or corn maze. See if any pet stores in your area are offering Halloween-themed pet photos.
Unfortunately, along with the fun come Halloween dangers. Chief among them is candy. Remember that chocolate can be highly toxic to dogs, along with raisins, macadamia nuts and anything that contains Xylitol (an artificial sweetener), like sugar-free candy, gum, and baked goods. If you have children that are out trick-or-treating, make sure they don’t share their loot with the family dog.
Speaking of trick-or-treating, remember that people who come to your door dressed in strange masks and costumes can be terrifying to your dog: he may be accustomed to people, but he’s sure not accustomed to gorillas or ghouls or vampires or even people dressed up like Arnold Schwarzenegger. If you have trick-or-treaters, it’s best to put your dog in a quiet room away from the festivities: that will not only protect her from the commotion, it will also ensure that she doesn’t dash out the door in stark terror when you open it for your tricksters.
Leave your dog at home if you’re going to a Halloween party: all those people in scary face coverings and weird outfits and sometimes carrying things that look like weapons could likely cause severe stress overload for your dog.
Remember that even the simplest of decorations can pose threats. Obviously, avoid anything fiery that could tip over like a lit candle — but dogs have been known to eat glow-sticks, fake rubber eyeballs, plastic bugs and snakes, candy wrappers and plastic food wraps, and even items that are battery-powered. Keep your dog away from fake cobwebs, which can entangle her and cause her to possibly injure herself in panic.
Halloween can be a fun holiday, but it’s up to you to make sure it’s fun for your dog, too!
Joan Merriam lives in Northern California with her Maine coon cat Indy, the infinite spirit of her beloved golden retriever Joey, and the abiding presence of her dog Casey, in whose memory this column is named. You can reach Joan at joan@joanmerriam.com.
