All Dressed Up by Petco Associate Lisa Farber
If you’re like me, Halloween is a noisy, fun-filled evening featuring a lot of trick-or-treaters, a pumpkin carving mess and, most important (for my kids, anyway), candy! However, for your pets, it can be stressful. Here are some ways I make it fun for our cats and dog:
- Know your dog. Halloween is filled with noise, commotion and costumes. If the constant doorbell ringing is going to bother your pup, put him in a quiet room in the back of the house. Give him a Kong filled with his favorite treat or another favorite cuddle or chew toy to keep him/her busy.
- If your dog is like mine and loves everyone, great! However, no matter how friendly your pooch, put him on a non-retractable leash. That way, when you answer the door, you can control him as he greets your Halloween guests. (Pets on retractable leashes have the ability to dash out of the door and knock over small toddlers. Don’t ask me how I know this).
- Remember the kids. I’ve found that, oftentimes, children on the other side of your door not only have never met your dog, but they also may not have any ”doggie manners.” By keeping your dog on a leash, you can help prevent little hands from reaching out to “pet the doggie!” Think of it as a great opportunity to help teach children how to ask before petting a strange dog.
- Have cats? If yours are like mine (ie. indoor), they may want to take advantage of the open door opportunity and consider an escape. To prevent this, we close up our cats in another room. This saves us from the inevitable “Where’s FRED????” panic.
- Have a black cat? We have coyotes in our neighborhood, so we can’t have an outdoor cat. But if you do, this is the night to bring him or her indoors.
- Now, about the candy. Put it where your dog can’t get into it. Chocolate can be toxic for dogs. And, small doses of some sweeteners, like Xylitol, which is found in gum and other candies, can kill a dog. When my kids get home from trick-or-treating, I put our dog in another room so that everyone can dump out and sort their candy. When they’re finished, I check the carpet to make sure that there aren’t any random pieces left behind. And all candy gets stashed up high–far away from Mr. “I Like Any Food” Dog.
- Going trick-or-treating and want to take the dog? In my neighborhood, this is only a good idea if: 1. Your dog is outgoing and likes the commotion; 2. Your dog isn’t afraid of loud noises; 3. Your dog doesn’t mind random crazy people coming up to him/her. However, if you just said “nope” to all three, take him/her along for the fun! Again, it’s dark out there, so watch your dog! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen little kids being pulled in wagons by their parents, flinging candy to the street. Don’t allow your dog to be sniffing (eating) what they find. They’re (the dogs) clever that way.
- Finally, costumes. I love them. My dog? Not so much. So, rather than force him into it, I put a turtleneck sweater on him and, ouila! he’s Andy Williams. If your dog doesn’t like costumes, dress up the cat (good luck with that) or don’t worry about it. And if your dog doesn’t mind costumes, just make sure that the costume doesn’t cause any issues with breathing, seeing or walking.
Halloween can be a lot of fun for you–and your pet. It just requires a little extra care. So enjoy your trick-or-treaters, have some candy and prepare yourself–the holidays are just around the corner.