Halloween is a festive time of year filled with costumes, candies, and decorations. While it can be an exciting experience for us, it's essential to ensure that our furry friends are safe and comfortable during the Halloween festivities. In this guide, we'll provide you with seven tips for having a dog-friendly Halloween with your beloved pet. Our goal is to make sure your dog enjoys the holiday without any spooky surprises!
Keep Candy Away From Your Pets
It's no secret that Halloween is synonymous with candy. However, many candies contain ingredients that can be toxic to dogs. Chocolate, in particular, is harmful to dogs due to the theobromine it contains (Animal Health Foundation, 2012). Make sure to store all candy in a place that's inaccessible to your dog. If you suspect your dog has ingested chocolate or any candy containing xylitol, contact your veterinarian immediately. For a healthier treat option, consider Jiminy's sustainable and nutritious treats made with insect protein, packed with essential amino acids that dogs need for a healthy and active life.
Turn Off Decorative Lights
Decorating your home for Halloween can be fun, but it's essential to prioritize safety when you have a dog. If you're using indoor decorative lights or plug-in decorations, be sure to turn them off when your dog is home alone. This precaution helps prevent accidents and potential fire hazards.
Wisely Choose Doggy Costumes
While dressing up your dog in Halloween costumes can be adorable, you should follow some best practices to ensure their comfort and safety. Avoid costumes with choking hazards, don't leave costumes on your dog when you're not at home, and refrain from letting your dog wear the costume at a dog park. Choose a costume that won't cause overheating or discomfort for your furry friend.
Prepare for Doorbell Distractions
If your pet gets overly excited or stressed when the doorbell rings, consider desensitizing them or moving them away from the door during peak trick-or-treating hours. You can place your dog in a crate or use pet gates to create a calm space.
Give Them Something to Chew On
Halloween can be a noisy and stressful time for your dog, especially with trick-or-treaters coming and going. To keep your pet calm and distracted, consider providing them with something to chew on. Classic options like Bully Sticks, Bully Braids, Collagen Sticks, or Peanut Butter Filled Bones can help alleviate stress and anxiety. Jiminy's Dental Chews are also a fantastic choice. These multi-purpose, cinnamon-flavored chews are designed to clean teeth and freshen breath. Thanks to medium chain fatty acids in the insect protein, they are antimicrobial and help reduce oral inflammation.
Be Cautious When Trick-or-Treating
While taking your dog trick-or-treating can be fun, it can also be chaotic and distracting. Keep an eye on your pet, as they might be tempted to grab something from the ground. Halloween night can introduce your dog to various triggers like other dogs, large costumes, or spooky yard decorations. If your dog is easily startled or stressed, it might be best for them to stay home.
Leave the Bowl of Candy Outside
If your dog gets anxious with trick-or-treaters ringing your doorbell, consider sitting outside or leaving the candy bowl on your porch. While there's always a risk of a candy bowl being emptied by a single enthusiastic trick-or-treater, this way, your pup can remain relaxed inside. Keep the human treats away from your dog this year, give them our all-natural, insect-based healthy treats for dogs instead.
We hope these seven tips help you and your dog have the best dog-friendly Halloween ever! By following these precautions, you can enjoy the holiday festivities while ensuring your pet's safety and well-being.