Halloween is a well-known annual celebration that most look forward to. However, this particular day can present some challenges for pets. To ensure Halloween remains fun for all, take a look at our Halloween pet safety tips.
Walking your dog
Walking your dog before it gets dark is a good idea. If you’re not able to take your dog for a walk before dark, think about fun ways of how to engage your dog. Consider tiring them out safely in your home with interactive food toys, games or training.
The doorbell
For most, it’s inevitable that your doorbell will ring more than usual during the evening of Halloween, it’s therefore a good idea to plan ahead. Prepare for people knocking by providing lots of things to keep your dog busy, quiet and happy. Should you be concerned about your dog coming to the front door to greet guests, consider separating them from the entrance to your home using a stair gate.
Nervous dogs
If your dog is nervous, they find it difficult to cope with lots of unknown people knocking on the front door. If that is the case, you could consider attaching a sign to your front door saying ‘Nervous dog. Please don’t knock on the door. Thank you’.
Sweets and treats
Ensure all sweet treats for trick or treaters are kept away from your dog. If eaten, they can cause serious harm.
A safe space
Make sure your dog has a safe space to go to if they are worried, and that this is comfortable for them. This could be their bed or crate, but always make sure it is away from front windows or the door.
Rewards
Reward your dog’s good behaviour. Behaviour such as calmness, settling and responding to cues are all rewardable behaviours. Remember that if your dog is being a little naughty, this may be because they are worried and reacting to very different experiences. Don’t tell them off as this can make the problem worse.
Keep your dog busy
Keep your dog busy. Why not try interactive dog toys such as a Kong with treats stuffed inside. Have some ready made for when trick or treaters come to the door and give the toy with treats inside to your dog to keep them busy and occupied while you answer it.
