Halloween can be a lot of fun, but it can also be very scary for dogs. According to Liam Crowe, the CEO and master dog behavioral therapist of Bark Busters USA, Halloween is when they hear about more dogs dying or straying than any other holiday.

I would never have guessed that, but it makes sense when you think about it. There’s usually a lot more accessible chocolate candy in the house for dogs to get into, the result of which can be deadly. Plus, the overabundance of loud noises and door bell ringing can set off a dogs flight instinct.

As pet owners we can keep a few simple things in mind to make Halloween a fun and safe holiday for all our four legged friends.

1. Don’t leave your dog outside. Even if you have a fenced yard, bring your dog inside where it is safe. If your dog is usually kept outside, bring him in a few times before the big night to get him used to being indoors. Your dog may be used to strangers, but so many little ghouls and goblins running about may be too much. Remember also that it is a natural instinct for dogs to protect the family from strangers, and on Halloween there will be no shortage of strangers.

2. Keep your dog restrained. If your dog is timid or scared, or if he tends to love people a little too much, it is best to put him in a separate room away from the front door to limit his excitability, aggression, and chance of running outside and becoming lost. Pet gates are an wonderful item during halloween - try gating your pup away from the front door, if you do't want to confine them the whole night and they are not scared of the costumes. That way you can just step over/thru gate to answer door and not have to worry about your pup.

3. Reassure your dog. The best thing you can do for your dog when he is feeling unsettled by Halloween activities is to act as you normally would. By over-reassuring your dog or giving him an unusual amount of attention, you inadvertently can communicate to him that because you are acting differently, there must be something to worry about.

4. Have your dog get used to costumes. Your dog may see his family members as strangers once they don their Halloween costumes. Before the kids put them on, allow your dog to scent the costumes. If your costume has a mask, keep the mask off when you are with your dog because dogs can become confused when they can’t see our faces.

5. Check your dog’s ID tag. Be sure identification tags are secure on your dog’s collar-just in case.

6. Keep candy away from your dog. Many candies-especially chocolate-are toxic to dogs. The severity of the toxicity depends greatly on factors such as breed, age, size, and how much candy was ingested. Problems may range from a mild upset tummy to vomiting and diarrhea, or even death. If you have any concerns at all, consult with a veterinarian immediately. If you want to keep your dog safe, make certain that sweets, including their wrappers, are kept well away from your dog.

7. Protect dogs from candles and pumpkins. Excited or agitated dogs can easily knock over a lit candle or pumpkin. Be sure those items are away from your dog’s reach, or consider a battery-powered candle that does not burn

8. Think twice about dressing your dog in a costume. While some dogs might enjoy being dressed up, many don’t. Experiment first to see if your dog likes being in a costume. If so, fine-he’ll most likely enjoy himself and the extra attention it brings. However, if he shows any resistance, don’t do it. Dogs feel enough stress around Halloween without also having to endure the discomfort and peculiarity of wearing a strange costume.

9. Be prepared. If you take your dog with you while trick-or-treating, be prepared at all times. Do not let your dog approach the door of a house, and stay clear of possible gags or gangs of goblins who will gather at the door. Dogs do not understand that the person jumping out at you will not hurt you; they often think they can only help you by acting aggressively. Neither children nor adults in costumes should approach a dog without the owner’s consent.

10. Have fun but think of your dog’s safety. Finally, if you want your dog to be included in Halloween festivities, think about his safety much as you would the safety of a small child. Your dog does not understand Halloween, so he needs you to provide the guidance and safety that you always do.


p.s. - if you are feeling a bit guilty eating all that lovely halloween chocolate, try this recipe instead for an easy and quick HEALTHY treat to make for your pups. And if your wondering - yes this is the recipe for the pumpkin pie muffins I made for our costume party.

PUMPKIN PIE MUFFINS

350’
1 CUP SOLID PACK PUMPKIN (not pumpkin pie mix)
1 EGG
¼ CUP HONEY
½ CUP APPLESAUCE
¼ CUP VEGETABLE OIL
1 TSP. VANILLA EXTRACT
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp allspice
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/8 tsp maple falvoring (optional)
2 ½ CUPS ALL PURPOSE FLOUR (or oatbran flour)
1 TSP. BAKING SODA
1 TSP. BAKING POWDER

MIX ALL INGREDIENTS WELL IN A LARGE BOWL. SPOON BATTER INTO MUFFIN CUPS UNTIL ¾ FULL AND BAKE FOR 25 – 30 MINUTES. REMOVE FROM OVEN AND COOL.

YIELD: 12 REGULAR OR 48 MINI CUPCAKES
I used a wilson's silicone mini pumpkin shaped muffin pan - you can get them at craft stores such as Michael's or Joanne's Fabrics, it makes 18 muffins at a time using 1 heaping tsp of batter each cup. At that size it takes 20 to 22 minutes of baking time. And remember - no preservitives means keep in fridge or freeze or they may go bad if left out more than 4-5 days.