Dogs at Halloween

Halloween and Guy Fawkes Night Safety for Dogs: What to Watch For and How to Keep Your Dog Calm

Halloween and Guy Fawkes Night are festive occasions filled with excitement, but they can be particularly stressful and even dangerous for our dogs. From candy hazards and spooky decorations to the loud fireworks of Guy Fawkes Night, this time of year presents several challenges for keeping your dog safe and calm. Here’s what to look out for, and how you can ensure your furry friend stays happy during the celebrations.

1. Keep Dogs Away from Halloween Candy

One of the biggest dangers during Halloween is candy, especially chocolate, which is toxic to dogs. Additionally, many sweets contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that can be extremely dangerous even in small amounts. Always keep candy out of reach, and inform children not to share their treats with the family dog. If your dog ingests any candy, contact your vet immediately.

2. Decorations Can Be Dangerous

Halloween decorations can present new risks for your dog. Candles, string lights, and dangling decorations can cause burns, electrical shocks, or entanglement if your dog interacts with them. If you use candles in jack-o'-lanterns, place them out of your dog’s reach to prevent accidental fires. Opt for flameless candles to reduce the risk altogether.

Keep small or sharp decorations away from your dog as they may chew on them, leading to choking or gastrointestinal issues. Avoid leaving decorations that resemble toys within their reach.

3. Dog Costumes: Fun but Cautious

While dressing your dog in a costume can be cute, not all dogs enjoy wearing them. If you choose to dress up your dog, make sure the costume is comfortable and doesn’t restrict their movement, breathing, or vision. Avoid costumes with small pieces that could be chewed off and swallowed. If your dog shows signs of distress, skip the costume and let them enjoy Halloween in their natural coat!

4. Handling Trick-or-Treaters

The constant doorbell ringing and unfamiliar costumes during trick-or-treating can overwhelm dogs. If your dog is anxious or excitable, consider placing them in a quiet room away from the door with calming aids like white noise or soothing music. For dogs that are more comfortable with visitors, ensure they are leashed or behind a baby gate to prevent them from dashing out the door.

5. Fireworks and Guy Fawkes Night Dangers

Fireworks are common during both Halloween and Guy Fawkes Night, and for many dogs, these loud noises are terrifying. The sudden bursts of sound can cause extreme anxiety, leading to pacing, whining, or attempts to escape. Here’s how to manage it:

• Create a Safe Space: Before fireworks begin, set up a quiet room where your dog can retreat. Use soft blankets, toys, and calming music to help soothe them.
• Stay Indoors: Keep your dog inside during fireworks displays and close windows and curtains to reduce noise and flashing lights.
• Use Calming Aids: Anxiety wraps, pheromone diffusers, and natural calming supplements can help reduce your dog’s stress during fireworks.
• Avoid Walks During Fireworks: Walk your dog earlier in the day to avoid exposing them to fireworks while outside, as this can increase their anxiety.

6. Identification and Microchipping

With the door frequently opening for trick-or-treaters and the loud noises of fireworks, the chances of your dog slipping out unnoticed increase. Make sure your dog is wearing a collar with up-to-date ID tags, and if they are not already microchipped, consider having it done for added security.

7. Firework Hazards

In addition to the noise, discarded firework debris can pose a danger. After Guy Fawkes Night or any fireworks display, ensure your garden or yard is free of firework remnants, as these can be toxic if ingested by dogs.

8. Post-Festivity Cleanup

After Halloween and Guy Fawkes Night, make sure to do a thorough cleanup. Candy wrappers, small decorations, and leftover firework debris can be harmful to dogs if ingested. Go over your home and outdoor space to ensure there’s nothing hazardous within reach.

Conclusion

Halloween and Guy Fawkes Night bring a lot of excitement, but they can be overwhelming and dangerous for dogs. By keeping harmful items like candy and fireworks out of reach, monitoring your dog’s stress levels, and creating a calm and safe environment, you can ensure your dog stays happy and safe during the celebrations. With a little extra care and attention, your dog can enjoy the spooky season as much as you do!