Howl-o-ween Fun or Foul?!
It’s that time of year when we start seeing all the ghouls and goblins running around the streets — and dog runs! Even the dogs are so cute in their get-ups. That’s what makes it so hard to resist!
But is this for the dogs or for the people? Obviously, the people! Come on, let’s get real. Few dogs, if any, love to play dress up!
Some people even find it cruel. I am really on the fence about this but I do think there is certainly a line. When a dog has a weight on their back that their “person” has to help hold up, I find that to cross way over the line.
When do you think it’s too much? Or do you think any costume is too much? We’d love to know, so please leave your comments!
Costumes aside, halloween can be a scary and even dangerous time for our pets. Please read our safety tips below and keep your pets safe!
Halloween can be a lot of fun. However, especially for dogs, it has the potential for being a stressful day. Some dogs can be quite frightened by those funny looking people dressed up in scary costumes. They may even shy away from a dog that ‘looks unusual’ if they’re all dressed up. Any change from the everyday can cause unease.
Be sure to pay special attention to your pup’s behavior on this day. Here are some tips to help keep your pets safe on Halloween.
Remember, the candy bowl is not for Fido!
* Chocolate can be toxic to dogs. Symptoms of chocolate toxicity in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, urination and heart rate and seizures.
* Candy and gum can contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener, which can be poisonous to dogs. Even small amounts of xylitol sweetener can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar. Signs of xylitol poisoning include lethargy, lack of coordination, vomiting and seizures. Keep your candy bowl out of reach and of course, do not give your dog any candy. Give you pup a dog treat, their favorite chewy or bone. Of course we are partial to giving Biscuits by Lambchop & Starlets too!
* Tin foil and candy wrappers can be very appealing to dogs due to their shiny hues and scents left behind on them. These can pose a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockage. Please throw out your wrappers in a closed trashcan your dog cannot access.
* Many cities have doggie Halloween costume parades. Usually, these will be ‘on-leash’ activities. You know your dog best. If your dog finds it difficult being around other dogs and sitting quietly and contently while on leash - leave your pup home and go check out all those cute costumes on your own. If your dog is pretty good but does want to ‘meet and greet’, this might be a training opportunity to practice good doggie manners, but only if appropriate for their level of training. You do not want to stress your pup. Training should set your dog up for success!
* If you do plan on bringing your dog, or having them participate in the costume festivities, monitor their stress level and make sure all aspects of their costume are safe. Watch for cords or ties around their neck, pieces that may come loose and trip them up, parts that can get caught on something else, or pieces they may chew off that can pose a choking hazard.
If your dog hates dressing up, let them wear their birthday suit!
* For those staying home giving out candy to little ghouls and goblins at their door, make sure your dog is comfortable with all the activity, excited kids in costumes and that he or she will not try and dart out the door when opened and be sure they cannot raid the candy bowl!
* Be careful of candles in your carved pumpkins. Do not leave candles unattended and be sure to place them where your pup will not knock the jack-o-lantern over with an enthusiastic tail wag!
* Lastly, be sure your pet has I.D., either a tag or microchip or both.
Howls, wags, and a-roooooooooooooos to you and your pet!