Halloween can be dangerous holiday for your pets. Kids in costume ringing the doorbell or knocking on the door asking for candy can cause stress, anxiety and endanger our pets.
Frightened pets are more likely to bite, scratch or bolt to escape perceived danger. The Denver Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE) and Denver Animal Protection (DAP) offered the following advice for keeping pets happy and healthy during Halloween and TRICK-OR-TREAT activities.
TRICK-OR-TREAT
Constant knocking or doorbell ringing can be stressful for dogs — especially those who protect their humans by barking at unknown humans. Stressed dogs may greet strangers (especially odd-looking ones in costumes) with aggressive behaviors or even bite a guest.
If your dog is crate trained, consider crating your dog during peak trick-or-treat activities. If you do not use a crate, put your dog on a leash to maintain control of your canine companion while handing out treats.
Keep your pets in a centralized room, away from windows to avoid seeing strangers in costumes.
Hand out treats from the front porch. Keeping the activity out of the home (and minimizing the use of the doorbell); will eliminate the noise triggers.
MICROCHIP & NAME TAGS
If your dog does break out of the house; having proper identification on them is critical.
Having a microchip is best as it's a permanent form of identification. However, ensuring your pet has an identification tag with their name and contact information may speed up their return.
Ensure your contact information is up to date; especially if you have moved recently.
HALLOWEEN CANDY
Most human love chocolate, however, it can be toxic to dogs. The higher the cocoa content, the worse it can be for your canine companion. Veterinarians caution that just one ounce of milk chocolate for every pound of your dog’s weight to cause a poisonous reaction.
DDPHE and DAP offered the following advice: If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.
PET COSTUMES
Pets are cute in their festive Halloween Themed Costume and Outfits; however, this ritual can be stressful for some animals. To ensure your BFFs safety, ensure the follow:
Make sure the costume doesn't limit your pets mobility; or ability to see, breathe, or speak.
Check for choking hazards or pieced that can be chewed on by your dog or other pets.
Shop for costumes that are easy to take on and off.
If you pet attempts to remove the costume; take it off.
HOSTING A PARTY
Keep food, party favors and decorations out of reach of pets.
Glow sticks can be poisonous; keep them away from pets.
Fake cobwebs, string light and garland can be choke hazards; be very cautious.
Masks and Costumes can cause your pets confusion; even when your dog is familiar with that individual. Be aware of your dog's mental state at all times.
Try to keep party small; this will help your pets adjust to guest faster.
Don't forget to invest in calming CBD treats for Halloween Adventures. It will help manage the stress and anxiety of this spooky holiday. Give the CBD 60-90 minutes to take affect before your gathering or prior to trick-or-treaters. If you have a party that last longer than 4-5 hours; give your dog another treat 4 hours after the first dose to ensure your pets stay calm.
Related: CBD pet tinctures for cats and dogs.