Boo . . . You Scared me!
Halloween can be a stressful time for dogs. They don’t understand why your next door neighbor is wearing a 
scary monster mask, why everyone is knocking on the door for candy or why there are more cars and people on your street. If your dog isn’t a fan of Halloween, create a calm room with his bed, toys, treats and quiet music. Perhaps distribute candy from your porch or driveway instead of having trick-or-treaters ring the doorbell. If you take your dog trick-or-treating, be sure their collar has a tag with your name and phone number in the event they pull away from you in all the excitement.
What’s Cuter Than a Dog in a Halloween Costume?
Be sure your dog’s costume does not restrict vision, movement, breathing or barking. Some dogs are nervous about wearing a 
costume while others just love it. We suggest a trial-run a few days before our party with a reward of a few dog treats so your pet can get accustomed to their cuteness!
Check the costume carefully for small, dangling or easily chewed-off pieces that could present a choking hazard. Ill-fitting outfits can get twisted on external objects or your dog, leading to injury. If he or she seems distressed or shows abnormal behavior, consider letting your pet wear a festive bandana instead.
Candy and Sweeteners and Wrappers . . . OH MY!
Everyone knows dogs shouldn’t eat chocolate, but low-sugar and sugar-free candies contain artificial sweeteners 
that can also due harm. Empty wrappers smell appetizing to your pet so be sure they are properly disposed of, as ingestion can cause choking and other problems. Keep the trick-or-treat bowl out of your dog’s reach and resist those cute, pleading eyes!
Jack O’Lanterns, Candles and Glow Sticks . . . Is this My New Toy?
Halloween just wouldn’t be as fun without decorations, but please take a few moments to safety proof your decor for your dog. Curious dogs can suffer burns from candles in jack o’lanterns and electrical shock from chewed cords from decorations. Many house fires each Halloween are started by domestic animals. Glow sticks and jewelry should be kept out of reach of dogs. Remember, a glow stick is easily carried and looks like a toy to your dog. Possible ingestion of the chemicals are toxic.
Keep an Eye Out on Mischief Night
Surprisingly, vicious pranksters have been known to tease, injure, steal, and even kill pets on Halloween night. Inexcusable? Yes! But preventable nonetheless. Unfortunately, there are some who think taking a dog from their yard is a silly, funny prank on Mischief Night (October 30th) or even on Halloween (October 31st). We know it’s not! Keep an extra set of eyes on your dog on these dates if he/she normally are outside by themselves.
