Happy HOWLoween!

Five Safety Tips for Your Dog

It may not be a normal Halloween, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be celebrating! Because of that, we thought it would be helpful to share five friendly reminders to keep your dog safe during your spooktacular festivities.

1. Don’t Share Candy

Even if you only have treats for yourself or your family, make sure you keep them out of reach of your four-legged friend. And remember, chocolate isn’t the only dangerous sweet that’s out there – beware of anything containing xylitol. This popular sugar substitute is found in many candies and household products. Unfortunately, it’s also highly toxic to dogs, and it doesn’t take much to cause life-threatening complications.

If you think your pet ingested something toxic, call your vet or the ASPCA Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately.

2. Stand Out After Dark

If you find yourself outdoors after dark, follow good nighttime safety tips by keeping your dog leashed and visible. We recommend carrying flashlights and dressing yourself and your dog in bright colors and high visibility gear. When choosing items that glow-in-the-dark, avoid glow sticks – which are toxic when consumed – and look for rechargeable LED options in products made for dogs.

3. Dress for Success

Who doesn’t love a dog in costume? Well, it turns out, some dogs! If you do have a dog who loves dressing up for an evening, set them up for success by choosing a costume that doesn’t interfere with their vision, hearing, or movement. And, if your dog hates costumes, consider adding some flair with a Halloween-themed bandana or collar instead!

4. Leave Them Home

It’s easy to get excited on Halloween, whether you’re outside visiting with friends or greeting trick-or-treaters at the door. However, this energy can also cause a lot of stress and anxiety for our pets. To keep your dog calm and relaxed while the ghosts and goblins are on the move, leave them in a quiet and safe place for the evening. If your dog has severe anxiety, consider talking to your vet in advance for additional tips to keep your dog comfortable.

5. Update Those IDs

Halloween is the perfect time to make sure your dog’s identification is up-to-date. Whether your dog ends up spooked by a neighbor’s yard decorations or a door gets left open for too long, far too many pets go missing on Halloween. Make sure they can find their way home again with ID tags and functioning microchips.