6 Tips for the Safest Halloween With Your Dog

Halloween is one of those times during the year when you can let your hair down and have a little fun. If you’re a dog owner, don’t get too relaxed. There are some important steps you should take to ensure your furry friend has a good time as well. The following are six tips for the safest Halloween with your dog.

Keep the Candy Away From Your Dog

While not every type of candy is toxic for dogs, there are quite a few that are. This includes:

Chocolate, but particularly dark chocolate
Candy containing raisins
Bubble gum
Anything sweetened with Xylitol

Some specific chocolate-containing treats to look out for include Reese’s, Snickers, Tootsie Rolls, Milky Ways, Almond Joys, Butterfingers, Kit Kats and M&Ms.

Even those that aren’t going to make your dog immediately sick, such as candy corn or smarties, contain sugar. This isn’t part of a healthy diet for a dog and can lead to obesity and other health issues. Things like lemonheads and jolly ranchers also have minimal amounts of sugar, but pose a choking risk.

What it all comes down to is human treats are not equal to dog treats. If you want your dog to have a special treat this Halloween, there are a lot of healthy dog treats you can choose from.

Make Sure the Costumes Are Safe and Comfortable

Your pup won’t make it very long on Halloween if his costume isn’t comfortable. You can try all you want to make him wear it, but in the end, it could become a safety hazard if he chews on it or otherwise tries to get it off. You probably already know what your dog will be comfortable in, so keep that in mind. If Fido’s not fond of wearing things on his head, you probably shouldn’t choose a costume with a hat.

If you regularly put clothing on your dog, a costume that feels just like he’s wearing another shirt might be the perfect solution. The Dapper Tuxedo dog costume , for example, goes on easily like any other dog shirt. It does contain a hat, which you can use or not use, depending on your dog’s preference and personality.

Stay Visible

In the same way you make your kids’ costumes reflective, you should make your dog’s costume reflective. Chances are you’ll put your pup on a leash while you’re taking the kids trick-or-treating, but you want others in the neighborhood, especially those in vehicles, to notice the dog too. If your dog’s costume is already reflective, that’s great! You can add a pet blinker light to your dog’s collar for increased safety. There are also light-up leashes you could use for added visibility, and although a reflective safety vest might change the costume a bit, it’s a good option and worth protecting your dog.

Strive to Lessen Anxiety

Halloween can cause a lot of anxiety in a dog. The things humans find fun and exciting are often the exact things that will spook your pooch. Colorful lights and loud, scary sounds only make the spirit of Halloween more exciting, but your dog may not like them. When the doorbell rings over and over again with trick-or-treaters, it could put your dog in a panic.

The good news is there are plenty of products designed just for anxious pets. If you’re planning to stay in with your dog, pull out some Pet Natural Dog Calming Soft Chews . Made with a high potency of natural ingredients, your dog will find that calming, relaxing sensation he needs to have a more enjoyable holiday. Clothes like recovery suits and sun shield shirts are made with soft fabrics that hug your dog, allowing him to feel the security he needs on such a busy night.

Be Sure the Dog Has an ID

Even after being as careful as possible, there’s a chance your dog will run off in the midst of the excitement on Halloween night. This can happen due to the door opening and closing over and over again, and it can also happen while you’re out trick-or-treating or at a party. Be sure you’ve got your dog an ID tag, and that it’s easily visible if someone finds your dog. With a lot of ID tag options, there’s something for every pet.

Since it’s Halloween and you’ve been preparing for a safe night, the Bone Pet Tag Silencer might be your best option, as it glows in the dark. It will help him be seen, but it will also help him be found. If your dog is dressed up in a superhero costume, specifically Superman, a Superman ID tag might be a fun choice.

Know Your Dog’s Limits

It’s all fun and games until your dog is so done with the festivities, things get out of control. You know your dog better than anyone, so pay attention to your furry friend’s limits and cater to them. If you take your dog to a party, pay attention to signs he might be getting tired, frustrated or anxious, and prepare to leave early. If you’re home handing out treats, pay attention to when it might be time to turn off the porch light and take your pooch to bed.

Halloween can still be fun when you’re a pet owner, but there are some extra steps you’ll have to take to ensure everyone is having a good time while staying safe. Your dog is an important member of the family, so this isn’t going to be hard at all.