October is here, which means cosy jumpers, crunchy walks, and all things spooky! We love celebrating the season, but for our four-legged friends, the sudden appearance of strange costumes, flashing lights, and bowls full of forbidden treats can be less “spook-tacular” and more “stress-ful.”
Want to make sure your pup stays safe, calm, and happy throughout the haunting season? Here are five essential tips to ensure a dog-friendly spooky month!
1. Become a Candy Commando: Guard the Goodies
This is the number one safety rule. All those delicious treats handed out on Halloween night are highly toxic to dogs.
- Chocolate: Contains theobromine, which dogs can’t metabolize properly. Dark and baking chocolate are the most dangerous.
- Xylitol: This sugar substitute, found in many sugar-free sweets, gums, and peanut butter, is incredibly toxic to dogs and can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar.
The Fix: Appoint a family “Candy Commando” to supervise all treat bowls. Keep all bags of goodies well out of paw’s reach—ideally on a high shelf or locked away. If you suspect your dog has eaten something toxic, call your vet or a pet poison helpline immediately.
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2. Create a “Safe Den” for Trick-or-Treat Chaos
For some dogs, the repeated ringing of the doorbell and the sight of costumed strangers is terrifying. A stressed dog can become anxious, vocal, or even try to bolt out the door.
The Fix: Before the evening rush begins, set up a cosy “safe den” in a quiet room far from the front door (like a utility room or back bedroom). Fill it with their favourite blanket, a calming scent diffuser, and a high-value distraction toy, like a stuffed Kong. Put a sign on the door asking guests to keep out, and let your dog enjoy a peaceful, quiet evening away from the spooky chaos.
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3. Lights, Candles, and the Waving Tail Threat
Halloween décor often involves lit pumpkins, flickering candles, and strung-up lights. While atmospheric for us, these pose serious fire and injury risks to a curious or energetic dog. A happy wag of a tail can easily knock over a tea light or a flimsy decoration.
The Fix: Opt for battery-operated, flameless candles inside carved pumpkins and as part of your indoor display. If you use real candles, place them high up and in secure holders well out of reach. Also, secure electrical cords from string lights to prevent chewing, which can cause burns or electrocution.
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4. Costume Check: Comfort Over Cute
If you simply must dress up your dog, remember that their comfort comes first. Many dogs tolerate a bandana or a simple collar attachment, but masks, full-body suits, or outfits with elastic bands and dangling pieces can cause immense stress.
The Fix: Choose a costume that:
- Doesn’t restrict movement or vision.
- Has no small, chewable parts that can be swallowed.
- Fits loosely and doesn’t rub or chafe.
- Is worn only briefly for a quick photo op, and removed if your dog shows any signs of distress (tucked tail, flattened ears, excessive licking).
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5. Be Wary of Spooky Smells (Glow Sticks & Potpourri)
Two common items found during the spooky season can pose a hidden chemical threat:
- Glow Sticks: Kids often carry these to stay visible. While technically low-toxicity, the bitter liquid inside can cause extreme drooling and agitation if a dog chews one open.
- Potpourri & Essential Oils: Scented candles, diffusers, or dried potpourri (often placed in decorative bowls) contain oils that can be highly toxic or irritating if swallowed or absorbed by your dog.
The Fix: Keep glow sticks away from curious mouths, and if a dog gets hold of one, rinse their mouth out and offer water. Switch out essential oil diffusers for natural, dog-safe alternatives, or simply stick to keeping the house ventilated!
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