Halloween is almost here! The autumn season can be enjoyable for Man’s Best Friend, but it can also be perilous. Seasonal meals and trappings, weather, and even costumes can all endanger your canine friend. Continue reading as a local Oshawa, ON veterinarian discusses some of the specifics of spending Halloween with your furry best friend.
Can You Dress Up Your Dog For Halloween?
That will be determined by a number of factors. Of course, the costume is the most important consideration, but you must also consider your pet’s size, temperament, and overall health.
Here are some things to consider:
Fit: It is critical that your canine companion’s costume fits properly. If it’s too large, he may trip or become entangled in it. A too-small costume will restrict his movements and respiration, causing sores or blisters. And, whether it’s too big or too little, it’ll be uncomfortable and stressful for your pooch.
Take your pup’s measurements before buying anything, whether you’re purchasing an outfit or heading to the store. You will need to measure his 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 it to your phone so you always have it with you.
Material: Material is also something to think about. You do not want to expose your pet to anything that is overly hot or irritating. Flammable fabrics are also not recommended. Choose something breathable and comfortable for your dog. Keep in mind that Fido has a voracious appetite and will consume everything. This is cute, but it’s also quite dangerous. Many everyday products are either toxic to dogs or dangerous choking hazards. This is something to think about while choosing décor, but it also plays a role when choosing your dog’s wardrobe. Avoid anything with little elements, such as buttons. Your dog may attempt to eat them, which can be quite harmful. We would also avoid anything with zippers. Your pet’s fur may become entangled, which could cause him harm.
Your Dog’s Temperament: You’ll also need to consider your pet’s personality. Some of our canine companions are pretty bombproof and will not blink an eye if you dress them up. Others are very nervous and/or reactive, and they will be upset about having to wear clothes. Don’t make your pet wear an outfit if he is visibly unhappy in it.
You should also use caution around Fido if he is extremely active. He may not mind the attire, but if he is a bouncing ball of zoom, his chances of getting trapped on something will increase.
Your Pup’s Coat: Keep in mind the length and thickness of your pet’s fur. A dog with little fur may benefit from an extra layer of warmth, while a dog with a thick coat, such as a husky, might easily overheat. That doesn’t mean Fido can’t have fun! He might be better off wearing something simple, like antlers or a nice tie or bandana.
Last but not least, enjoy some quality time with your pet. Fido has donned a variety of adorable—and frequently hilarious—outfits over the years. He’s been many things, including a spider, a banana, a goat, an avocado, a porcupine, a dinosaur, Mario, Willie Nelson, and the Pope. The list is almost endless and gets more amusing each year.
Regardless of the costume you choose, keep an eye on Fido once he’s clothed. If he starts to seem uneasy, take a picture and remove the outfit. It’s not worth disturbing or frightening your loyal companion!
We also recommend that you familiarize Fido with his outfit prior to the event.
Can I Paint My Dog For Halloween?
You can, but only if you prioritize his safety. The most important thing is to only use dog-specific paints and colors. Many paints and colors are hazardous to our pets, so don’t skimp on this. Even if you choose a dog-specific product, test it on a tiny area first and keep an eye out for irritation. Keep in mind that you’ll need to bathe your dog after the event.
Inviting Trick or Treaters
That is ultimately up to the dog, but you will need to take some care to keep Fido comfortable. If your pet is aggressive, reactive, or afraid, it’s best to turn off the porch lights.
Tricks and treats can be stressful for dogs for a variety of reasons. For starters, many puppies are instinctively protective of their homes and humans, barking or growling if they see people approaching. That’s fine if you only have infrequent visits, but a regular stream of dressed visitors may be a little much.
You might also investigate some soothing options. Shirts, snacks, collars, and sprays are among the pet-calming products offered.
Another possibility is to place Fido in a quiet back room. Make sure he has comfortable bedding and a toy or chew to keep him occupied, and turn on a TV or radio to disguise the noise.
What Other Safety Concerns Are There for Halloween?
Halloween is more than just costumes and trick-or-treaters. Our canine companions never run out of chances or ways to get into mischief!
Here are a few other things to be cautious of:
Food
Those sweet sweets can be dangerous—and perhaps fatal—to our four-legged friends. Many of the seasonal candies contain substances that are harmful to dogs. Chocolate, caffeine, raisins, and xylitol, often known as birch sugar, are all on this list. Small hard candies and candy wrappers could also cause your dog to choke. Keep the candy dish out of reach of paws!
Decorations
Consider your canine companion when decorating. Anything little or pointy can be dangerous. Heavy chewers can also choke or hurt themselves on delicate or weak objects, such as the cardboard-and-plastic sign. Anything with a cable or batteries, as well as anything long and stringy, such as ropes or cords, will be dangerous for Fido. You should also use caution when using candles and fires.
Halloween increases traffic for both pedestrians and cars. Remember this when walking your dog. When walking your pet after dark, use bright, reflective clothing. If you have a yard where Fido can chase squirrels, don’t leave him unaccompanied. There’s just too much opportunity for mischief.
Weather
Temperatures are starting to drop at this time of year. Make sure that your canine buddy has a comfy bed to snuggle up in at night. If Fido has thin fur, this is the time to make sure his jackets are clean and fit him well. Some pooches may get stiff and sore in the cold. Others may benefit from supplements or even larger portions of food. It ultimately is going to vary from dog to dog. For more information, speak with your Oshawa, ON veterinarian.
Schedule An Appointment At Our Oshawa, ON Pet Clinic
Best wishes on Halloween! Is it time for your pet to have a checkup, immunizations, or parasite treatment? Contact us, our local Oshawa, ON pet hospital, at any time.
