Story by Meganne Carpenter Regional Scout for Camp Bow Wow Tucson and Tucson East
Halloween is a howling good time for most of us humans, but it can be a scary and potentially dangerous time for many of our beloved pups. It’s important to be prepared so you and your dog can enjoy the holiday! As much as we love our sugar-rush of a holiday, the candy that accompanies it can be deadly for your dogs! Make sure all candy is stored away from your dog and that wrappers or anything partially eaten are put away or thrown away. If you think that your pup has ingested some candy and is acting strange, or has symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, lack of coordination, etc. take them to the vet immediately. With doors opening and shutting all evening during Halloween, it’s a prime time for a dog to escape your home. Many dogs can react poorly to humans wearing costumes making it challenging for a dog to read that person’s body language. If your dog is nervous around large groups, strangers, or children, it’s best to keep them in a room or crate away from the front door and occupied with a toy or treat. If your dog is not nervous around the Halloween festivities, be sure your dog is leashed and not able to dart out the door to greet trick-or-treaters. Ensure your dog has his/her collar with identification tags on, just in case your dog does get separated from you. Only take your dog out trick-or-treating if they are relaxed and comfortable around the trick-or-treaters and decorations in the neighborhood: even an overly-excited dog can be a problem and risk escape. If your dog becomes overstimulated during the Halloween festivities, remove them from that situation and consider taking them home. You may also want to dress up your pup. Consider a costume type that works with your dog’s personality, for example: don’t get a costume with feet/boots if your dog isn’t fond of having their feet touched. You should never leave your dog unsupervised with a costume on. By taking these precautions, you can ensure that Halloween is a fun and safe experience for both you and your pup. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in preventing any spooky mishaps. So, keep those treats out of reach, secure your home, and choose costumes wisely. With these tips in mind, you and your pup can enjoy a howling good time this Halloween.
For more information visit www.campbowwow.com/tucson-east or call (520) 655-3647
