Written by A.R.F. Volunteer Kate S.

We here at A.R.F. love the Halloween season—dressing up, carving pumpkins, and trick-or-treating. However, it’s important to keep our precious pups safe amidst the celebrations and revelry. 

Ensure your dog’s safety and health this spooky season by observing the following tips and tricks.

Tip 1. Keep all candy out of reach

Most people know that chocolate is dangerous—and even deadly—to dogs. However, all candy, even chocolate-free candy, should be kept away from pups this during Halloween and all year round. Excessive sugar and fat content can be challenging for dogs to digest and lead to things like diarrhea, vomiting, and more.

Remind children often that they should avoid feeding the dogs candy and keep their candy off the ground and other pet-accessible places. Candy is plentiful and delicious on Halloween, but proper storage is essential to ensuring safe pups!

Tip 2. Secure dogs during trick-or-treating

Whether you’re passing out candy or taking the kids around the neighborhood in their adorable costumes, keeping your animals secure during the commotion is critical to keeping them safe.

Remember: dogs don’t understand Halloween, and seeing people in spooky costumes can be scary and disorienting. Help them stay safe and secure by ensuring they are adequately attached to a leash or safe from bolting out an open door.

Tip 3. Keep pets in another room during trick-or-treating

Halloween often has a lot of commotion, including people in and out of the house who aren’t usually there, which can be overwhelming and confusing for animals. Keeping your animals secured away in another room with a trusted family member can help them stay safe and comfortable, despite the extra visitors.

Tip 4. Encourage good boundaries

If you have an exceptionally fearful dog who may be reactive to strangers or children, consider gently reminding children to stay back for their safety. Good boundaries can help children remain safe, and your dogs stay comfortable.

Tip 5. Make sure your dog has a microchip and collar

Of course, you’ll do everything you can to keep your dog safe and indoors throughout the holiday. However, accidents happen, and if your dog manages to escape their leash or the home during the commotion of Halloween, he or she must have the proper microchips and ID tags in place to be returned to you. If you need assistance with this, contact A.R.F. or your local animal hospital to help you get the support you need.

Stay safe this Halloween

Please keep your pets safe this holiday by practicing the above steps to ensure they’re comfortable, contained, and healthy.

If you’d like to add a furry friend to your family, check out our pets for adoption. We have some wonderful dogs and cats who would be a loving addition to your home.