Halloween Safety Tips for Dogs

Many people want their pets to be part of holidays. This is true for Halloween, too. But how do you celebrate with your dog while keeping everyone safe? Here are some safety tips.


Never feed your dog Halloween treats.

Chocolate is poison to dogs. They can suffer vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, seizures, or death. Be sure to keep all chocolate away.


Another poison that may be in sugary treats is xylitol, a type of sweetener. This can cause a drop in blood sugar, lack of coordination, seizures, and liver failure.


Cellophane, paper and foil wrappers on Halloween candy, if eaten, can choke your dog or cause intestinal blockages. Keep treats high, up out of reach of pets.


Also be sure that well-meaning trick-or-treaters cannot feed your pets as they pass by. Keep your dog out of reach of others.



What to do instead?

Give your dog his own doggie treats to enjoy. Or give her a toy that will keep her occupied and distracted until the Halloween activity has settled down. Here are a few recommended products to try:
Dog Treats










Keep your dog out of the activity

If you keep your dog at home, be sure he or she stays away from people coming to get candy. You don't want either your dog, or the neighbors, getting injured.


If your dog is in the house, make sure he or she is well behaved and stays back from the door. You might want to confine it to another room, away from the action.


This is for two reasons: so your dog can't run away when you open the door, and so your dog can't jump on people or bite them. Unless you are sure your dog won't react unpredictably to the noises, sights, and smells of strangers in strange costumes, better be safe.



Keep wires and lights out of chew range

If you have a puppy or a dog that loves to chew things, make sure any lights, wires, and Halloween decorations are out of reach. You don't want to ruin your cool, scary decorations! Besides, you also do not want to hurt your dog by risking choking, poisoning, or electrocution, either.



Safety first if you go trick or treating

If you decide to take your dog with you trick or treating, keep his safety in mind first and foremost. Take steps to ensure he will be visible, secure, and comfortable.


Use a safety light so drivers can see your dog. There are many to choose from. Some are collars that glow; others are lights that you can attach to a collar, harness, or costume. There are also dog safety vests with reflective tape on them, or you can sew or iron on your own.


Keep your dog out of the way of traffic. She is smaller and lower to the ground than you are, and can be nearly invisible to drivers. Make sure she walks on the side of you that is farther away from the road.




Dog Safety Lights










Choose dog costumes carefully

If you decide to dress your dog up, choose a costume with care. Make sure it does not interfere with his ablility to breathe, see, hear, or move. Also take the weather into consideration, and be sure your dog does not get overheated or chilled.


Respect your dog's wishes and do not force her to wear any costume she doesn't like. If you really want her to get dressed up, find something like a bandanna or doggie t-shirt that she will tolerate. Most dogs are more willing to wear those things.

Here is a homemade dog superhero Halloween costume that you can make with a few scraps of fabric.

Dog Costumes at Costume Craze

Tricks for Treats Bandana - Halloween Dog Costume




Skull Bandana Dog Costume











If you follow these safety tips for Halloween, plus use your common sense, there is no reason your dog cannot celebrate the holiday too. Happy Howl-oween!