Halloween is Saturday, and in the city that means a lot more than a few trick-or-treaters. Think buzzers going off all evening, costumed neighbors in the hallway, candy wrappers on the sidewalk and crowds on every corner. Most dogs didn’t sign up for any of that. Here are seven simple ways to help your pup get through the spookiest night of the year happy and safe.
1. Put the candy up high (and behind a door)
A dog’s nose can find candy almost anywhere, including the bag a kid stashed under the bed. The ASPCA warns that chocolate in all forms can be very dangerous for dogs, especially dark or baking chocolate. Keep candy bowls on high counters or in a closed cabinet, and remind guests and kids not to share.
2. Watch out for “sugar-free”
Sugar-free candy and gum can contain xylitol, which the FDA says can be deadly for dogs. In dogs, xylitol can cause a fast release of insulin and a sharp drop in blood sugar, sometimes within 10 to 60 minutes. Signs include vomiting, weakness, staggering, collapse and seizures. It also shows up in some peanut and nut butters, mints and baked goods, and may be listed as “birch sugar.” Check the label before you fill that Kong.
3. Give your dog a quiet room
Apartment dogs hear every knock and buzz. The ASPCA suggests keeping all but the most social dogs in a separate, comfortable room away from the front door during peak trick-or-treating hours. Add a favorite bed, some background music and a long-lasting chew or puzzle toy. If you need ideas, our puzzle toys for apartment dogs guide has a few that keep pups busy.
4. Only do costumes your dog actually enjoys
Some dogs love dressing up. Many don’t. If you do a costume, make sure it doesn’t limit your dog’s movement, sight, hearing or breathing, and skip pieces that dangle or can be chewed off. Do a try-on before the big night. A lowered tail, ears pinned back, lip licking, yawning or pacing are signs your dog would rather not. A festive bandana works just as well for photos.
5. Walk early, and walk on a secure leash
Get the long walk in before it’s dark and the sidewalks fill up. Strangers in masks can spook even calm dogs, so use a snug harness or collar your dog can’t slip out of, plus a reflective leash or light for the evening potty break. Our city harness guide covers escape-proof fits.
6. Double-check ID tags and microchip info
With doors opening all night, a nervous dog can slip out of the apartment or the building lobby fast. Make sure your dog’s tag has your current phone number and that the microchip registration is up to date.
7. Keep glow sticks and costume bits off the floor
Small toys, plastic accessories and glow sticks are fun to chew and can be a choking hazard. The ASPCA says glow sticks taste extremely bitter, and dogs that bite into them often drool and act frantic. Do a quick floor sweep after the party.
If your dog gets into something
Call your vet, an emergency animal hospital or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 right away. Don’t wait for symptoms. The FDA notes that some effects of xylitol can show up as late as 12 to 24 hours later. Keep the wrapper or package so you can tell them exactly what was eaten.
Happy Halloween from all of us at City Pups. We’d love to see your dog’s best (comfy) costume!
Sources: ASPCA, “Halloween Safety Tips” (aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/halloween-safety-tips) and “Tips on Costumes, Candy and Celebrating Safely With Your Pets This Halloween”; U.S. FDA, “Paws Off Xylitol; It’s Dangerous for Dogs” (fda.gov); VCA Animal Hospitals, “Halloween Safety for Pets.”
This post is general information, not a substitute for advice from your own veterinarian.