Should your dog Trick-or-Treat with you?
Trick or Treat, smell my dog feet!
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Your dog might look adorable dressed as a little pumpkin or superhero, but should you bring them along when the kids go trick-or-treating? According to dog trainers and veterinarians, it might be better to leave them home. Halloween can be overwhelming for dogs, with strange costumes, spooky decorations, flashing lights and lots of unfamiliar people. Even a friendly dog can get frightened by all the commotion.
If you really want to bring your pup along, make sure they're comfortable around strangers and unusual sights. You can test the waters by taking them on walks past Halloween decorations before the big night. If they seem scared, pull away, bark or lunge, that's a good sign they won't enjoy trick-or-treating. For dogs who do go out, keep them on a leash, make sure their ID tags and microchip information are current, and consider a reflective or light-up harness so drivers can see them. And keep Halloween candy well out of reach—chocolate and other ingredients can be dangerous for dogs.
If your four-legged friend isn't up for the spooky scene, don't worry! You can still include them in the fun with a dog-friendly pumpkin patch, a pet costume contest or a special Halloween outing designed for animals. Because Halloween should be a treat for your dog, too—not something that leaves them scared out of their fur!
Other Halloween Pet Safety Tips
Boo
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With safety plans in place for kids, it’s time to focus on the pets. The holiday is overstimulating for many dogs and a prime time for them to go missing. Here are some tips to keep your furry friends safe during the excitement:
- Keep sensitive dogs away from the door
- Pre-train your pet if taking them trick-or-treating
- Stick to sidewalks, and have your dog wear a light-up harness to help ensure you’re visible to drivers and other people who are out walking
- Have their up to date ID tag on them
- Keep candy away from cats and dogs
- If your pet is in a costume make sure it doesn’t inhibit their movement
Have a fun, safe Halloween!! Call Wicker & Wilde Monday morning with any fun stories! 1-833-804-9898
