Dog Owners Beware: 9 Spooky Dangers Threatening Your Pups On Halloween

Halloween night will be filled with candy, especially if you have kids or are anticipating trick-or-treaters.

This is great for those who have a sweet tooth, but candy and chocolate can be deadly for your dog.

The American Veterinary Medical Association advises that all candy and chocolate be placed well away from your pooch so they don’t accidentally eat it. 

If they do end of getting into the candy, call the Pet Poison Hotline, or head to the vet.

Dressing our dogs up in little sweaters and costumes is admittedly pretty darn cute — but costumes can be very stressful for dogs, and sometimes even dangerous.

If you have to dress up your pooch, make sure that the costume doesn’t affect their sight, breathing, hearing, or body temperature.

Additionally, cheap Halloween costumes are notoriously flammable, so keep a very close eye on costumed pets at all times.

It’s probably best to avoid pet costumes altogether — even if your pup would look very cute as a little lobster or ghost.

Almost everyone will have a cool carved pumpkin on their porch for halloween — but it’s important to keep them outside and away from your dog.

Curious pups love to explore new sights and smells, and a candle-lit pumpkin might be very intriguing for your pet, but a burnt snout can quickly ruin your Halloween fun.

If your pet gets a little hyper or anxious when the doorbell rings, move him to another room before the trick-or-treating begins.

However, avoid moving your pup to the backyard for the night, as Halloween mischief might leave him vulnerable if left all alone.

It’s best to keep him indoors, in a quiet room, far from the sound of the doorbell and knocking. Provide treats and comforts to keep him calm.

Pumpkins, gourds, and colorful corn are common Halloween decorations. While they’re not toxic for animals, if consumed, they can cause life-threatening gastrointestinal problems.

So make sure they are away from curious dog mouths by placing them in a high space or outside.

If you suspect your dog might have consumed a decorative object, take him to the vet immediately.

Even if you are only having a small festive get-together, The Humane Society suggests that you keep your dog in another room for the festivities.

Dogs may become overwhelmed by strangers in the house, especially ones in crazy costumes, so keeping them in another room ensures that they will stay calm.

It may be tempting to take your dog on a Halloween stroll, but all of the costumes, children, and decorations could overwhelm them.

If you know that your dog gets a little jumpy around new people, plan to walk them before the big night begins.

And, since many tiny trick-or-treaters usually call it a night pretty early, you can even take them out after for a less crowded Halloween walk.

If you do plan on taking your dog out on Halloween, or anticipate your door being opened and closed often for trick-or-treaters, make sure your pet’s collar features all of his proper ID.

Also, make sure your dog is visible to pedestrians and cars during nighttime walks with a LED collar clip or reflective vest.

While your precious pup should be tagged, chipped, and well-lit all year long, it’s especially important during holidays, when the hustle and bustle might makes it easier for him or her to escape.

While you’re on your nighttime walk, it’s best to keep them very close. This will provide comfort from all the spooky sights, confusing costumes, and Halloween activity.

And as always, keep your dog on his or her leash at all times. No matter how well-disciplined, it only takes a second for a startled pooch to run off into the night.

Does your pup enjoy Halloween? How do you keep him or her safe on this spooky night?

Let us know in the comments below, and please SHARE these lifesaving Halloween tips with other dog owners!