There are few things in life cuter than seeing your terror-of-a-puppy dressed up in horns and a red cape on Halloween. But for dogs and their families, Halloween should also be a time for caution. To ensure that both your children and dogs enjoy a fun and safe holiday, please remember the following tips:
- Your dog can easily become anxious and frightened when the doorbell is constantly ringing and all he sees are children in strange clothes and masks. Confining him to his own safe haven for the evening (like his crate or a closed room) can help calm his nerves and prevent him from running out of the constantly opening front door.
- If you walk your dog around the neighborhood while children are trick-or-treating, be sure to use a sturdy collar, or harness and leash, and be careful around unfamiliar children and adults. Again, the costumes and masks may make your dog uncomfortable and frightened.
- Be sure your dog is wearing identification tags with your name and phone number on them in case you become separated from your dog or he escapes from the house.
- If you're dressing your dog for Halloween, use safe, non-flammable and non-toxic items that your dog is comfortable in and that don't restrict his movement, breathing or vision.
- Lastly, keep all candy out of your dog's reach — especially chocolate, which is toxic to dogs. Consumption of even small amounts can cause seizures, muscle tremors and vomiting while larger doses can be fatal. Stick to his own treats and he'll be just as happy.
Following these simple tips will help keep your dog safe, healthy and out of any scary trouble this Halloween.
Tasty Tips
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult Oral Care Chicken, Rice & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque & tartar build-up
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Chicken & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Savory Stew Can Variety Pack Dog Food
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small & Mini dog food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Small & Mini Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Small & Mini Chicken & Vegetables Entrée Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Supports lean muscle and beautiful coat for adult dogs
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small Paws Chicken & Barley Entrée
Chicken & Barley recipe with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to help your puppy build immunity and strong bones
Hill's Science Diet Adult 6+ Large Breed Chicken Meal, Barley & Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports energy & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, joints, heart & kidneys healthy
Hill's Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy Savory Stew with Beef & Zucchini dog food
Hill's Science Diet Perfect Digestion Large Breed Chicken, Brown Rice & Whole Oats Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome. Delicious food in a large bite size
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Salmon, Whole Oats, and Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight & Joint Support Hearty Vegetables and Tuna Stew Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy Savory Stew with Chicken & Zucchini Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight & Joint Support Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food
This weight management and mobility support dog food was created with Hill’s unique understanding of the biology of overweight dogs.
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small & Mini Beef & Barley Entrée
Beef & Barley Entrée with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken, Barley & Whole Oats Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken, Vegetable & Rice Stew Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Rice Recipe Dog Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Chicken & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Chicken & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to support mobility and muscle mass for older dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small & Mini Chicken Recipe Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small & Mini dry dog food is tailored nutrition for Small & Mini dogs while being gentle on stomachs. Nourishes skin & promotes a lustrous coat.
Related articles
Cardiomyopathy in Dogs: What You Need to Know
Learn the basics about cardiomyopathy in dogs, including types of this condition, breeds affected, symptoms dogs might show and how veterinarians treat it.
Are There Dog-Safe Hair Dyes?
Read about options for dog-safe hair dye, including which breeds and hair types work best with dyes and how to safely apply it to your dog's coat.
Can Dogs Eat Almonds?
Learn whether almonds & related products like almond butter are safe for dogs, including why they can be a health issue and how much can be problematic.
Why Is My Dog Itching?
Learn about the many causes of your dog's itching, from fleas and ticks to allergies. Explore how you can prevent and address these problems in your dog.
The Best Large Breed Dogs
Learn more about the benefits and things to consider when it comes to adopting a large or giant breed dog.
Walking Big Dogs Safely: Tips and Tricks from Dog Experts
Learn expert tips on the best ways to walk your large breed dog, including training suggestions, which equipment works best, and how to walk multiple dogs.
Do Puppies Need All These Vaccines?
If you've recently adopted a new puppy, learn about the different types of shots that he needs and what diseases these vaccines help guard him from.
Old Dog Syndrome: All About Vestibular Disease in Dogs
Learn about old dog syndrome, also called vestibular disease, which could be a reason your senior pup is having balance or dizziness issues.
Things to Keep in Mind When Feeding Your Puppy
Learn how much to feed your new puppy, how to handle a pup that's a picky eater, and whether wet or dry dog food is best for his needs.
Reasons Why Your Dog is Losing Tail Hair
Why is my dog losing hair on their tail? Some common reasons why dogs lose hair on their tails and, more importantly, what to do about it.
How to Treat A Cut on A Dog (& What to Put on It)
Learn basic steps & precautions for treating a cut on your dog, including what you can put on the cut, and when you should take them to the vet.
Tooth Extractions in Dogs: Causes, Procedures, Recovery & Prevention
Learn what a tooth extraction in dogs involves, what the recovery period is like and how you can help your dog avoid needing a tooth pulled in the future.
How to Keep Your Dog Safe in Cold Weather
Discover important tips to keep your dog warm in cold winter temperatures. Learn how much time your dog can spend outside & what to do if he gets too cold.
Arthritis in Dogs: What You Need to Know
As your dog ages, arthritis and joint pain can become more common. Learn what causes these issues, signs to look out for, and treatments options.
Dog Scratch Reflex: Why Dogs Kick Their Legs During Belly Rubs
Wondering why your dog's leg kicks when you scratch his belly? Learn about dog scratch reflexes, why they love belly rubs and how it's useful for your vet.
A Spider Bit Your Dog: Identifying the Bite & What You Should Do
Learn helpful tips if your dog is bitten by a spider, including which spiders are most harmful, how to identify the bite, and what to do after spotting it.
8 Common Health Problems in Senior Dogs
Learn about the most common health problems in senior dogs, such as hearing & vision loss, joint problems and dementia, and treatment options.
Can Dogs See in the Dark? (& How Well?)
Discover how whether your dog can actually see in the dark, how well they can see, and if they're safe when the lights are low or off completely.
Assessing the Proper Nutrition Your Adult Dog Needs
Different dogs at different ages and life stages have different nutritional needs. Learn about the unique nutritional and health needs of your dog.
My Dog Is Not Affectionate Toward Me — Help!
Much like humans, not all dogs show affection the same way. While some dogs may not be as outgoing as others, learn how you can still form a loving bond.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.