Top Tips on Halloween Safety for Your Dog

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Dog Costumes
There are almost as many Halloween costumes available for dogs as there are for people, and they are very cute! If your dog doesn't mind being dressed up, you might find it hard to narrow down your choice.
Pick an outfit that fits comfortably and doesn't chafe or restrict your dog's movement. More importantly, his clothing must not interfere with his breathing. Avoid any loose decorations or buttons that can be chewed and swallowed. Don't forget to take photos of him when he is dressed up in all his finery.
If your dog just doesn't like wearing costumes, then don't force him. It will only make him anxious and unhappy.
Decorations
The traditional carved pumpkin with a lit candle inside is a feature in most homes at Halloween, and the flickering light is very likely to catch your dog's eye. Keep your pumpkin well out of his reach, to avoid him having a closer look and knocking it over. This can easily cause a fire.
Decorative electric lights are also a health hazard for your dog. If he chews on the cords, he may end up with a painful electrical burn in his mouth.
Trick or Treat!
If your dog usually spends most of his time outdoors, it's a good idea to bring him inside or lock him safely away during Halloween. The stream of people passing your home in the dark can upset him and cause nuisance barking. This won't win you any friends in your neighborhood.
For the indoor dog, you also need to take precautions. He's not going to like unfamiliar people coming to the door, dressed in unusual clothes. If he feels the need to protect you and nips someone, you could find yourself in legal trouble.
He may also get frightened and slip past you through the open door, so make sure he is confined either in another room or in his crate when that knock on the door comes. Just in case, keep an identity tag on his collar and have his microchip details up to date.
Should you take your dog along when you go trick or treating? Generally it's not a good idea. He may get nervous around noisy crowds and if he encounters a territorial dog when you're approaching a house, he could end up in a tussle. Leave him comfortably confined at home.
Halloween Treats for Your Dog
Even if your four legged best friend can't go trick or treating with you, he can still enjoy his own Halloween goodies. Look for some yummy dog training treats online, and you can decorate them with icing mixture for fun.
He'll love them. Don't give him any of your candy, because it won't be good for him. Chocolate is dangerous for dogs and sugar free treats containing xylitol can make him seriously ill. The last thing you want to do is spend the day after Halloween at the vet surgery!
Your dog is an important part of your family and holidays aren't the same without him. If you follow these suggestions, he'll be able to safely share the excitement of Halloween with you.
Senior Writer, Daily Wetnose
http://DailyWetnose.com
Ken is a dog lover (proud pet parent of 2 Min Pins) and is Senior Editor at Daily Wetnose. This dog blog is a fun and informative place for dog lovers, owners, breeders and other pet professionals to meet, greet, sniff and celebrate pooches.