Halloween, the holiday that starts the full season of celebrations is about to descend upon us. Costumes have been purchased, pumpkins have been carved and the candy has been purchased. It’s a holiday the whole family has started participating in. The old fashioned thought it’s only for kids has gone out the window as we have realized that we all need to play, enjoy and have fun, despite age.

The whole family includes the dog for more than 60 percent of us and Halloween is no exception to the rule in wanting the dog to participate. More than ever dog friendly Halloween events are popping up and the attendance is steadily growing.

Though we sometimes get a little over zealous about what is good for the dog and what is not here are some safety tips for Halloween and your dog.

Costumes
Upon doing a little search on what experts are recommending regarding Halloween costumes for your dog it seems many are suggesting to not dress the dog up at all. Granted, this is the ultimate safety for your dog, however, as with many rules and regulations that keep saying no, no, no people are going to do what they are going to do despite the warnings.

There is also the thought that we have become so fearful something bad is going to happen that limitations take us back to the no fun factor and life becomes boring again for everyone.

Always keeping safety in mind there can be a happy medium to resolve this. Dogs are like little tiny toddlers when it comes to costumes, candy and other things that they could get into. When participating you need to supervise, supervise, supervise. This will ensure your dog doesn’t eat part of a costume and end up with a blockage or some other reaction.

Practice is another way of getting your dog to deal with all the fun. If you did get a costume for your dog and plan to go to some sort of gathering, allow your dog a few practice sessions prior to going. And again, always supervise.

Halloween Dog Parties versus Halloween Night

The Halloween dog friendly parties are on the rise and the participation is growing. Part of the fun is these events were designed with the dog in mind. Your dog is at your side and you are still the leader in these situations. It’s fun for you and fun for the dog to be with you.

Halloween night on the other hand is a different story. Costumes are getting better and better and truly can be frightening at first glance. Coupled with the fact that sight is one of the worst senses in a dog and that logic isn’t part of their thought process, instead its all about pictures, a truly freaked out dog over a scary costumes is all too possible.

Don’t take your dog out on Halloween night trick or treating with the kids. Instead go to a planned dog friendly event if you want your dog to be part of your Halloween festivities this year.

Treats

Stay with regular dog treats. Many specialty dog stores provide fun Halloween shapes and cookies made especially for the dog. Go for all of those types of things, but stay away from any type of candy or the wrappers they come in. A dog will eat anything, wrapper and all. Make sure to keep the candy bowl out of dog reach.

Chocolate is a big concern and is more commonly known. The one deadly toxin for dogs that many people don’t know about is xylitol. Xylitol is a sweeter in sugar free gum but can be in other goodies as well, especially those that are in the sugar free game.

Halloween Night

This is where more safety than not should be thought about. When we our in our own homes its easy to let the guard down. Its where you live. It’s where you are comfortable and where your dog is most likely the most comfortable.

Its not normal though for the doorbell to ring countless times and odd looking characters show up asking for candy! An open door with odd looking characters can cause the dog to go a little whacky. If you don’t have a barker which is annoying to everyone on this type of night there are other factors that play into why you should secure your dog in a place away from this sort of activity.

An open door means your dog could wander out and get lost. At the very least get scared and not know what to do out of the oddity of it all. Its just best to keep your dog where they have no access to the door opening and closing throughout the evening.

Make sure to have id tags on your dog in the event that something is terribly overlooked and your dog does get out. No tags means the chances your dog not find the way home even with the help of others is much higher. Avoid this at all costs.

Should you find a lost dog check the id tags right away and call the owner as soon as possible. The strife of a lost dog is indescribable. If there are no dog tags contact your local Humane Society about the lost dog, which doesn’t mean you have to take the dog there, just give the information so if someone calls looking the dog can be located. Another great service that can get the world out fast is lost and found at Pets911. A way cool concept to help those in distress fast.

Keeping the safety factors in mind, have a most fabulous Halloween with your family, friends, and the dog.

©Jt Clough and K9 Coach 2009        www.SitKSit.com              www.GoTrainYourDog.com