Celebrate Halloween with Fido!

Halloween is officially here! The autumn holiday might be enjoyable for Man’s Best Friend, but it can also be risky. Seasonal meals and trappings, weather, and even costumes can all be dangerous to your dog. Continue reading as a local Pahrump, NV veterinarian discusses the intricacies of celebrating Halloween with your furry best friend.

Is It Safe for Your Dog to Wear a Halloween Costume?

That will eventually rely on a number of factors. Of course, the costume is the most important factor, but you should also consider your pet’s size, temperament, and health.

Here are a few things to consider.

Material: Material should also be considered. You do not want to place your pet in something excessively hot or irritating. Flammable fabrics should also be avoided. It’s best to get something that lets air flow and is comfortable. Construction: One thing you should always keep in mind about dogs is that Fido has a huge appetite and will eat anything. This can be adorable, but it’s also pretty dangerous. Many household products are harmful to dogs or offer major choking concerns. This is something to think about while selecting décor, but it also applies when selecting your dog’s wardrobe. Avoid anything with small components, such as buttons. Your dog may try to eat them, which can be dangerous. We would also advise against using zippers. Your pet’s fur may become entangled, perhaps injuring him.

Your Dog’s Temperament: Think about your pet’s personality. Some of our canine companions are pretty bombproof and won’t blink an eye if you put them in a costume. Others are really nervous and/or reactive, and will be upset about wearing clothing. If your pet is visibly unhappy in an attire, don’t force him to wear it.

You should also be cautious with Fido if he is overly active. He may not mind the attire so much, but if he is a bouncy ball of zoom, the chances of him being trapped on something will increase.

Fit: It is essential that your dog’s costume fits properly. If it is too big, he may trip or become entangled in it, injuring himself. A costume that is too small will impede his movements and respiration, causing sores or blisters. And, whether it’s too big or too little, your dog will most certainly be uncomfortable and stressed.

Take your pup’s measurements before purchasing anything, whether you’re ordering an outfit or traveling to the store. Measure his torso, tummy, and neck circumferences, as well as his shoulder height and spine length. It’s usually a good idea to take pictures of the numbers and save them to your phone so you can always have them with you.

Fido’s Coat: Also consider your pet’s fur length and thickness. A dog with sparse fur may benefit from an extra layer of warmth, but a dog with a thick coat, such as a husky, might soon become overheated. That doesn’t mean Fido can’t join in the excitement! He might just be better off with something simple, like antlers or a nice tie or bandana.

Personality: Last but not least, enjoy some fun with your pet. Fido has donned a variety of adorable—and frequently hilarious—outfits throughout the years. He’s played a variety of characters, including spiders, bananas, goats, dinosaurs, Mario, Willie Nelson, and the Pope. The list is endless and grows funnier with each year.

Whatever costume you choose, keep a tight eye on Fido once he is clothed. If he appears uncomfortable, take a picture and remove the costume. It’s not worth frightening your devoted pal!

We also recommend that you get Fido used to his clothing prior to the event. This is also going to be a good chance to get some super cute pictures of your furry bestie! 

Can I Paint My Dog For Halloween?

You can, but only if you are vigilant about his safety. Only use paints and colors made exclusively for pets. Many paints and colors are hazardous to our animal pals, so don’t cut corners on this. Even if you choose a dog-friendly product, test it on a tiny area first and keep an eye out for any signs of irritation. And hopefully this goes without saying, but it’s also best to skip this outfit idea if your dog has allergies. Also, keep in mind that you will need to bathe your dog after the event.

When You Have A Dog, Is It Appropriate To Have Trick-Or-Treaters?

That is ultimately up to the dog. If your pet is aggressive, reactive, or afraid, you should probably turn off the porch lights.

Trick-or-treaters can be upsetting for dogs for a variety of reasons. For starters, many puppies are naturally protective of their homes and humans, and they will bark or growl if people approach. That is OK if you only have a few visitors, but a regular stream of visitors may be a little much, especially ones in costumes, which may frighten, upset, or confuse your cute pet.

You might also look at some pet-calming options. Shirts, snacks, collars, and sprays are all available to help relax your pet. Just be sure to read and follow package directions to the letter.

Another alternative is to keep Fido in a quiet back room. Give him comfortable bedding and a toy or chew that will keep him occupied, and turn on a TV or radio to drown out the noise.

What About Other Halloween Safety Concerns?

Costumes and trick-or-treaters aren’t the only things to be cautious of. Our canine companions never run out of opportunities or ways to get into mischief!

Here are a few more things to be wary of:

Decorations

Decorate with your canine companion in mind. Anything small or sharp may be a hazard. Heavy chewers may potentially choke or hurt themselves on fragile or flimsy pieces, such as the cardboard-and-plastic Hocus Pocus sign or the fake tombstones in the garden. Anything that uses a cord or batteries, as well as things that are lengthy and stringy, such as ropes or cords, is dangerous to your dog. You should also use caution while using flames or candles.

Food

Those sweet goodies can be dangerous—and even deadly—to our canine companions. Many of those festive candies include hazardous chemicals for pets. Chocolate, caffeine, raisins, and xylitol, sometimes known as birch sugar, are among the ingredients. Smaller hard candies and candy wrappers may potentially cause your dog to choke. Keep the candy dish out of reach of the paws!

Traffic

Halloween increases traffic for both pedestrians and vehicles. Keep this in mind when you’re walking your dog. When putting your pet outside after dark, wear bright, reflective clothes. If you have a yard for Fido to chase squirrels in, do not leave him outside unaccompanied. There’s simply too much potential for harm.

For more information, consult with your Pahrump, NV veterinarian.

Weather

Temperatures are going to start dropping quickly at night. Make sure your pooch has a comfy bed to curl up in!

Schedule an Appointment at Our Pahrump, NV Pet Clinic

Have a happy Halloween! Is it time for your pet’s exam, immunizations, or parasite control? Please contact us, our local Pahrump, NV animal hospital, at any time.