Halloween With Fido

Halloween is just around the corner. It’s always fun to pick out costumes, hang some fall decorations, and enjoy some delicious seasonal treats. Even though this year’s celebrations may be limited, due to the coronavirus, there are still things you can do to celebrate. Of course, your dog will also want to join in on the fun. Just put Fido’s healthy and safety first. A Carolina Forest, SC vet discusses Halloween with dogs below.

If there’s one thing dogs get excited about, it’s treats. Unfortunately, many Halloween classics are toxic to Fido. Never give your pooch anything that contains chocolate, caffeine, raisins, sugar, nuts, or xylitol. Be careful with hard candies and candy wrappers, too, as they can be choking hazards.

There might be some extra traffic on Halloween. You may also see more pedestrians than usual. Be very careful when walking Fido. If your pooch has a yard to patrol, bring him in before dark. Dogs can get very agitated by and/or frightened of people in costumes. There’s also a chance that someone could give your pet something that isn’t safe for him. 

Keep your canine buddy in mind when hanging decorations. Dogs are very curious, and they tend to investigate things by basically trying to eat them. This can be dangerous! Anything small or sharp should be kept out of paw’s reach. Candles are also a concern, as are items coated in paint, glitters, or other decorative substances. Anything with a battery or power cord is also unsafe.

We know, dogs in costumes are adorable. It’s hard not to laugh when seeing a pup dressed up as a pizza, octopus, or lion. There are some things to keep in mind, however. We generally recommend sticking to outfits sold by pet stores. These are specifically made for dogs, so they tend to be fairly comfortable. They are also generally safe, as they won’t have things like small parts or dangling threads, which could be choking hazards. Avoid anything that is tight, hot, or itchy, as well as outfits that restrict Fido’s vision or movement. Most importantly, don’t force your furry best friend to wear clothes if he isn’t comfortable in them. Just put a bow tie or bandana on him instead.  Please contact us, your Carolina Forest, SC vet clinic, for all your dog’s veterinary care needs. We are here to help!