Halloween with Fido

Halloween is approaching quickly! The autumn holiday season can be enjoyable for Man’s Best Friend, but it can also be perilous. Seasonal meals and trappings, weather, and even costumes might endanger your canine companion. Read on to learn more about spending Halloween with your pet best friend from a local Galena, MD veterinarian.

Is It Ok To Dress Your Dog In A Halloween Costume?

This will ultimately be determined by a number of factors. The costume is obviously the most important factor, but you should also consider your pet’s size, temperament, and health.

Here are some factors to consider:

Material: Material is important to consider. You should avoid putting your pet in anything excessively hot or irritating. Flammable fabrics are likewise unsafe. Choose a breathable and comfy material. 

Keep in mind that dogs have a voracious hunger and will consume almost everything. This can be cute, but it’s also very hazardous. This is something to think about while choosing decor, but it also plays a role when selecting your dog’s wardrobe. Avoid anything with little pieces, like buttons. Your dog may try to eat them, which might be dangerous. We would also advise against anything containing zippers. Your pet’s fur may become entangled, causing injury.

Fit: It is critical to ensure that your dog’s attire fits him properly. If it’s too big, he may trip or become entangled in it, causing him to injure himself. A costume that is too small can limit your pup’s motion and breathing, and may also cause sores or blisters. And, whether it’s too big or too small, your pooch will most likely be uncomfortable and stressed.

Take your dog’s dimensions before ordering an outfit or heading to the store. You’ll want to measure Fido’s torso, tummy, and neck circumference, as well as his shoulder height and spine length. It’s probably a good idea to take a photo of the numbers and save them to your phone so you always have them with you.

Temperament: You should also consider your pet’s personality. Some of our canine companions are pretty bombproof and won’t blink an eye if you put a costume on them. Others are very tense and/or reactive, and will be upset about wearing clothes. Do not push your pet to wear an outfit if he is visibly unhappy with it.

If Fido is particularly active, you should exercise caution. He may not hate the clothing so much, but if he is a bouncing ball of zoom, his chances of getting trapped on something increase.

Fido’s Coat: Consider the length and thickness of your pet’s fur. A dog with thin fur may benefit from an extra layer of warmth, whereas a dog with a thick coat, such as a husky, can soon overheat. That is not to say Fido cannot join in the fun! He may be better off with something simple, like antlers or a nice tie or bandana.

Finally, have some fun with your pet. Fido has worn a variety of charming (and frequently comical) clothes over the years, including spiders, tacos, pirates, bananas, goats, dinosaurs, Mario, Willie Nelson, and the Pope. The list is gets funnier each year.

No matter what costume you choose, keep a watchful eye on Fido once he is clothed. If he begins to seem uncomfortable, take a picture and remove the outfit. It’s not worth offending or frightening your loyal pal!

We also recommend that you get Fido used to his clothing before the event.

Can I Paint My Dog For Halloween?

You can, but only if you are conscientious about his safety. The important thing is to always use paints and colors that are specifically designed for dogs. This is not something to skimp on: many paints and dyes are harmful to pets. Even if you choose a product designed for dogs, test it on a tiny area first and look for symptoms of irritation. Also, remember to give your dog a bath after the event.

Should You Use Trick Or Treats With Your Dog?

That ultimately depends on the dog, but you should take a few precautions to keep him comfortable. If your pet is aggressive, reactive, or afraid, it is generally best to turn off the porch lights.

Trick-or-treaters can cause stress in dogs for a variety of reasons. For starters, many puppies are naturally protective of their homes and humans, barking or growling when strangers approach. That’s fine if you only have a few visitors, but a constant stream of dressed visitors may be a little much.

You could also look at some relaxing alternatives. There are pet-calming products available, such as shirts, snacks, collars, and sprays.

Another alternative is to put Fido in a quiet back room. Give him comfortable bedding and a toy or chew to keep him occupied, and turn on the television or radio to drown out the noise.

What Are the Other Halloween Safety Concerns?

Costumes and trick-or-treaters are not the only things to be concerned about. Our canine buddies never run out of opportunities or ways to get into mischief!

Here are some other things to be cautious about:

Decorations

Keep your canine companion in mind when decorating. Anything small or sharp is a possible hazard. Heavy chewers can potentially choke or hurt themselves on fragile or weak materials, such as the cardboard-and-plastic sign. Items with cables or batteries are also dangerous for Fido, as are long and stringy materials such as ropes or cords. You should also exercise caution while handling flames or candles.

Halloween leads to an upsurge in both pedestrian and vehicle traffic. Keep this in mind as you walk your dog. When taking your pet out after dark, make sure to wear bright, luminous clothes. You can also get your canine pal a bright or reflective leash and/or harness. If you have a yard where Fido can chase squirrels, do not leave him outside unaccompanied. There’s just too big a chance of mayhem!

Contact your Galena, MD veterinarian for further information.

Food

Those sweet goodies can be dangerous—and perhaps fatal—to our canine companions. Many of the most popular seasonal candies contain substances that are hazardous to dogs. That list includes chocolate, caffeine, raisins, and xylitol, sometimes known as birch sugar. Your dog may also choke on smaller hard candies and candy wrappers. Keep that candy dish out of paws’ reach!

Conclusion: Halloween is a fun holiday for both people and pets, but it can be hazardous to our furry friends. It’s important to be aware of the possible dangers, which include things like food, traffic, costumes, and fires. Ask your vet for more tips on keeping your canine buddy safe. 

Book An Appointment At Our Galena, MD Pet Clinic 

Happy Halloween! Is your pet due for a checkup, vaccinations, or parasite control? Please contact us, your local Galena, MD pet hospital, at any time.