Dogs are family—let’s consider their feelings and safety on Spooky Night
We understand that because dogs are FAMILY to us, many of us love the idea of including our dogs in Halloween festivities and dressing our dogs in costumes for Trick or Treat Night. Though it may add to the ambience and laughter by making our dogs “props,” we must remember they are definitely not playthings! They are living, breathing, feeling creatures, and each has a unique personality and preferences. Not to mention, they depend on us to protect and keep them safe as outdoor activity picks up and strangers approach.
So, how can we give them the care they deserve while still having fun?
WATCH FOR SIGNS OF DISTRESS
Vocalizations: Barking, whining, or growling
Body Language: Lowering themselves to the ground tucking their tails, shivering or trembling, panting, drooling, lip licking, yawning
Movement: Pacing, attempts to escape or avoid people, objects, or areas where trick or treating is happening
Hair Down the Back Is Raised: This will not be visible, however, if your dog is wearing a costume (consider dressing up with a Halloween-themed collar or bandana instead!)
TO KEEP THEM SAFE
- Provide a safe haven: Not every dog is social—just like people, some are shy. If your dog has a favorite room in the house, keep the door to that room open, so he can escape the doorbell and strangers if he wants to.
- Pay close attention as the door opens and closes frequently: Especially if you’ve got a known escape artist on your hands! This seems like a no-brainer, but many pets are sadly lost this time of year. In fact, Halloween ranks second, after July 4th, for the number of lost pets.
- Consider bringing your outdoor dog indoors until the porch light is switched off for the night: This way, your dog avoids all the scary stuff and dangerous pitfalls of Halloween night, such as increased traffic, noise, and interactions as strangers approach, which often causes distress.
- Consider microchipping your dog, now or in the future: Once your dog is microchipped, and you’ve registered her information (with your contact details), a veterinarian is able to scan the chip of a “found” dog and find you, as long as the information matches. So, it’s very important to keep your contact details up to date. When you do, microchipping significantly increases the chance of locating and reuniting with your dogs that wander off.
- Promptly pick-up trash: We know that dogs love candy and especially chocolate! Discarded candy wrappers (and candy!) appeal to dogs’ super snoopers (noses) and invite dogs to eat something they shouldn’t.
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
- Don’t force dogs to participate in Halloween activities: Though they act (scarily) human at times, they are not. Remember that your dog trusts and depends on you to keep him healthy and safe. Protect the human-animal bond you’ve built by respecting your dog’s personality and feelings.
- Don’t force your dog to wear a costume: As tempting as it is. While it might be fun and entertaining for you, we can pretty much predict your dog won’t love it. Many dog costumes, while cute, are uncomfortable, especially when they don’t fit well. Too tight, too loose, ill-fitting costumes might cause the catching of legs and paws or obstruct breathing. A safer alternative is to use a good fitting, dog-safe, Halloween-inspired collar or bandana, instead, as we’ve mentioned earlier.
MOST IMPORTANTLY, DON’T LET THESE TIPS AND TRICKS SCARE YOU!
By increasing our sensitivity and awareness, Halloween is a night we can all enjoy even more—while including our much-loved fur kids that we adore.
*Our Sources for This Dog-Related Content: We’d like you to know that this dog-related content was provided in collaboration with our friends and animal experts at Purdue University: Dr. Candace Croney, PhD., Mikel Delgado, PhD and Judith Stella, PhD, Croney Research Group, Purdue University.
