Getting “Spooked” on Halloween is not fun for Dogs

Loud, unusual noises, strangers at the door and scary masked faces yelling “BOO!’ are not most dogs’ idea of holiday fun. While your dog can really benefit from the added attention and “over-the-top” demonstrations of affection they’ll get for being festive, the tradeoffs of anxiety, intestinal problems, other injuries, and worse should be seriously considered.

With all the ghoulish goings-on this Halloween, why not plan to include your dog in a safe and comfortable way?

If the sight of a costume makes your pup shiver and run for cover, but you still want your Kodak moment, try a fashionably fearsome Halloween collar, or an ultra-lightweight Halloween tank with a spooky message, that will actually be a comfort to wear for your dog, and a real conversation starter with your friends!

If hamming it up as a hotdog or bumming around as a bumblebee, is really your dog’s thing, then consider planning or joining in on some special activity or party during the day.

With any luck, your pup will knock himself out and sleep right through the more frightening evening events. If not, upon your return, try a good long walk and a warm meal. Adding a bit of warm chicken or beef broth to his food is the perfect puppy “comfort food” after a very active day.

If he’s still raring to go at “the witching hour”, a new “fiendishly fun” Halloween toy or rawhide treat can serve as a good distraction.

A special treat that can be as simple as a dog biscuit slathered with a little extra helping of peanut butter, is a great way to end the day, and can really go far in taking the “howl” out of Halloween for your furry best friend.