DOG TOYS

It’s that time of year when witches and goblins roam the world to entertain and scare … and scare they do!  It’s October and that means Halloween, a time when we play at “scariness” in a safe and controlled environment and have fun.

We humans know that all this scary stuff is just a party, but our doggies don’t and they really can get scared especially on the hallowed eve itself as all sorts of strange things are happening  around them.  Remember, animals are creatures of habit and rely heavily on their instincts.

If you live in a neighborhood with lots of kids then you’ll be visited by throngs of trick or treaters.  Your dog will get excited with every ring of the doorbell and then perhaps repelled by the  sight of the strange costumes.  Fireworks.  Screams.  Laughter.  All this is very disorienting to your pooch and he can just as easily be reduced to a frightened and shivering jelly of a pup as to an aggressive dog bent on protecting his territory.

We can’t stop the revelry, but we can take precautions and lessen the effects of the night on our dogs.  Here are some simple tips on how to keep doggie safe on Halloween Night.

1.  You know your dog.  If he is not the overly social type around kids and unfamiliar circumstances, then the best place for pooch is safe at home in his own bed.  Kids take license with this night to be extra mischievous and there is no telling what they might decide to do when they see you and your best friend sashaying down the sidewalk.  Throwing firecrackers at the dog’s feet may seem funny to them at the time, but I can guarantee you that your dog will not share in the frivolity.

2.  A dog’s perception differs from yours and mine and a dog can become very frightened by people wearing costumes and masks.  A frightened dog, no matter how well trained and friendly under normal circumstances can and will act aggressively if he experiences  intense fear or feels  threatened in any way.   If your dog typically likes to greet every guest to your home, you may want to place him in a crate or a closed but comfortable room with his bedding and a favorite toy or two to normalize the situation.

3.  It seems that decorating at Halloween is right up there with Christmas and that often means indoor and outdoor lights for effect.  Make sure the wires and cords from electric lights and other decorations out of reach of your dog.   If chewed, your puppy could experience damage to his mouth from the shards of glass or plastic or even possibly receive a life threatening electric shock.

4.  Do not take your dog trick-or-treating.  Yes, your precious pooch may look adorable all gussied up as super dog or the wicked witch of the north but this is no time to show off your creativity.  Dogs are quick to sense excitement, good or otherwise.  Ghouls and witches running amok can spook your pet.  Moreover, if yours is a small pooch trick-or-treaters in their excitement may easily trip over your precious.

5.  Keep all candy especially chocolates away from your pets.  Chocolates in particular can be deadly to dogs and serious problems can arise when pets eat other candies, often wrappers and all.

6.  While pumpkin and decorative corn are considered relatively nontoxic they can result in an upset tummy in your dog should he snack on them and can even develop into intestinal blockage if large pieces are chomped.

7.  If your dog is easily frightened by sudden loud noises keep a television or radio on for the pet throughout the evening to drown out the sounds of firecrackers and the sounds of loud pranks.

8.  If your pets are part of the festivities at home and are dressed to the teeth as Count Dogula or Witch Kitty, be sure that the costume isn’t overly bulky or tangly.  Costumes are naturally restrictive to animals who normally do well with just their own “clothing” and can lead to falls and injuries.

9.  Last by not least: ID.  ID. ID.   This is true throughout the year.  Make sure that your dog is properly ID’d with a tag on the collar or with a microchip.  Should your precious wander away or get lost, the chances that he will be re-united with you are much higher.

Its October.  Windy days, falling leaves. plenty of fresh air … take the time to enjoy these lingering days of autumn  with long daily walks in the park with your best furry friend.  You’ll enjoy and he’ll have fun – then deal with Halloween as need be.

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