Halloween Safety for Dogs

Beggars night will be here over the next few days for Central Ohio residents. Here are a few suggestions to help keep you and your pet safe during this time . . .

1) There are many 'treats' for children that can be toxic to dogs. These include - chocolate, raisins, grapes, xylitol (an artificial sweetener commonly found in gum) and macadamia nuts. Children often drop many of their treats on beggars night, so be particularly cautious when on walks following this holiday to prevent your pet from eating anything that could cause illness. Even empty candy wrappers can pose a choking hazard or cause intestinal upset/blockage.

2) Decorations at Halloween can also pose dangers to pets. Adhesives on decorations can be toxic if eaten. Candles used for Jack-o-Lanterns can be knocked over by pets and pose a fire hazard.

3) Kids and adults in costume can cause anxiety or trepidation in some dogs. Heightened anxiety can be a trigger for nipping or biting in some dogs, so use care to keep unwary dogs away from young children for everyone's welfare. Frequent ringing of a doorbell can trigger adrenalized reactions which can make greeting guests difficult, or pose risk to guests if your dog is jumping on or running about young children.

4) If you're using costumes for your pet, be sure to get them acclimated to the attire before beggars night. Be aware that items on or near the head can interfere with a dogs ability to hear and see. This may make your dog more likely to become anxious or react differently around people and things. Supervise interactions, and keep your dog on leash to assure everyone's safety - including your dog's.

As always, training is a good way to guide behaviors in dogs. A well trained dog is always better able to participate in family activities, functions, gatherings and holidays.

Happy Halloween !