Americans are expected to spend $700 million on Halloween costumes for their pets this year, according to the National Retail Federation, but the season can be more trick than treat when it comes to pet safety. That’s why Camp Bow Wow is sharing pet safety tips to keep in mind as the holiday approaches.
“Our pets are essential members of our families, so it’s only natural to want to include them in Halloween festivities,” said Camp Bow Wow’s Animal Health & Behavior Expert, Erin Askeland, MSc, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA. “When gearing up to celebrate the holiday, there are a few things to consider to ensure their safety.”
Askeland and her team at Camp Bow Wow offer their top tips for making sure pups have a fun, but safe Halloween:
- Do not take your pets trick-or-treating. It’s possible that your dog could get spooked by a ghost or goblin and even the friendliest dog could bite someone to protect themselves or you from what it perceives as a threat. Instead, keep your pet in a safe, secluded space so they cannot escape when the door opens to trick-or-treaters.
- Make sure your pet’s costume is safe. Fido may look adorable in his new superhero costume, but that cape won’t necessarily keep him out of harm’s way. Costumes should not constrict the animal's movement, hearing or sight or impede their ability to breathe, bark or meow. Avoid small, dangling or easily chewed-off pieces that animals could choke on. It is helpful to try on costumes before Halloween, and if your pet seems distressed or shows abnormal behavior, don’t force them to wear it.
- Keep candy out of reach. Chocolate in all forms, especially dark and baking chocolate, can be very dangerous for dogs and cats. Instead, give your pooch their own Halloween candy by treating them to their favorite doggy snack. If you do suspect that your pet has ingested something toxic, call your veterinarian or your local poison control center immediately.
- Look out for potentially dangerous decorations. Keep an eye out for edible decorative items like Halloween pumpkins and candy corn when participating in Halloween festivities with your pet. While these are relatively nontoxic, they can cause stomach upset in pets who nibble on them.
“Halloween is a great holiday to celebrate with your pets,” said Askeland. “With just a few precautions, they can have fun and stay healthy.”
No matter the Halloween plans, dogs can enjoy a safe and entertaining stay at Camp Bow Wow while pet parents trick-or-treat.
