Howlween: Safety Tips & Tricks

Halloween can be a fun night for humans full of candy, costumes, late nights and surprises. However, this joy is not shared by many of our furry friends; masks, door knocking, fire works, and so much more can lead to fear.

Dogs with noise phobia may require medical intervention, speak with your veterinarian prior to Halloween to discuss all your options.

To help ensure our pups stay safe and stress free follow these tips below!

1. Ensure dogs are indoors or in a secure yard. With no chance of escape.

2. Indoor dogs should be kept in a separate room or separate from the main door by a barrier. Just because your dog may love guests he may not be as welcoming to hoards of children in masks and face paint.

3. Only pets comfortable with costumes should be dressed up. Make sure costumes don't restrict movement, sight or breathing.

4. Plan your walks well before trick or treating time to avoid overlap with excited children running around in costume. Some dogs may be perfectly okay with this but for many this will be stressful.

5. If walks are not possible or just as an extra bonus provide dinner or a special treat in an enrichment feeder such as a Kong or lick Mat to keep your dog busy and less interested in what's happening at the door.

6. If taking dogs trick-or-treating keep them on a secure leash and collar/harness with reflective jacket or collar. Expect children to rush up to or past your dog (Most dogs would probably prefer to stay home.)

7. Keep all candy away from your furry companions. As we all know chocolate is toxic for our furry friends.

8. If your town has Halloween fireworks look up the schedule ahead of time to ensure our dogs bathroom break is well before they begin and they can be kept securely inside with no chance of escape. If your pet requires medications for noise phobia ensure it is given at least 30-60 minutes prior to events or as directed by your veterinarian.

Wishing everyone a happy and safe Halloween from FSJ Canine Behaviour