Halloween is lots of fun for kids, but many dogs will be confused or upset by kids in strange costumes and by lots of people coming to the door, but never being invited in. Doggone Safeoffers the following tips for dog owners:
- Secure your dog behind a closed door or in a crate in a room away from the front door or the party if children are meeting at your house.
- Give him a Kong or other hollow chew toy stuffed with hotdog or other soft dog treats or a favorite chew toy. Freeze it for even longer lasting fun.
- Play music or leave a TV or radio playing in the dog’s room to help mask the sounds of the activity at the front door.
- Close drapes so that the dog does not see people coming and going through the window.
- If you have a dog that barks at the sound of the doorbell, disconnect it or watch for trick-or-treaters so that they do not have to ring or knock.
- Puppies and dogs that like to chase can get overly excited by costumes with dangly bits or streaming material. Supervise very carefully if you have a dog that may try to play with your children’s costumes while they are wearing them. Teach kids to Be a Tree and stand still if the dog does start nipping at their costume since the more they move, the more excited the dog will get.
- Keep your dogs (and cats) indoors around Halloween time. Pets have been stolen, injured or poisoned as part of Halloween pranks or other rituals.
We wish you and your pet a safe and happy Halloween!
