Avoiding Those Ghoulish Halloween Mishaps

Avoiding Those Ghoulish Halloween Mishaps

Written by Robin Keene

Halloween is a spooktacular time for many. The most social dogs may love children and joyfully engage in goblin gatherings. No matter how social or timid your pet may appear to be, holiday precautions are always the sensible and safe thing to practice. Here are easy ways to keep your tail-waggers safe… and kids, too!

Safe Places and Happy Bellies

Give Spot plenty of exercise on Halloween day to decrease any over-stimulation the night may bring. Recognize signs of stress. If your dog is uncomfortable, remove her from the situation and put her in a safe place.

Keep your pets calm. If Buddy is anxious around a lot of activity or strangers, put him in a quiet room during the peak trick-or-treat hours. Only the most social and stress-tested pets should be allowed near children. Consider placing a barrier, such as a pet gate at the front door for extra precaution. Be sure all your pets are wearing their IDs and are microchipped in the event they decide to hunt goblins without your permission.

No sweet human treats! We love yummies and so does your best friend. But these can cause canine tummy distress or worse, a fatality. Chocolate is extremely toxic for dogs, and dark chocolate is the worst. Other ingredients like xylitol, found in many low-sugar candies, is a serious risk to your pet’s health. Keep candy out of Fido’s reach. Avoid the temptation to spoil him with a little nibble. Instead, have nutritious dog treats on hand or make homemade treats with dog-friendly ingredients.

If you like the idea of spoiling Champ with his own treats, consider some of the following ingredients: Oatmeal, peanut butter (free of xylitol), pureed pumpkin, apples, carrots, sweet potato, or wheat flour. Cranberries and blueberries are a yummy addition, too.

Jack-o’-lanterns can be easily knocked over by dogs or cats causing burn injuries. Keep them out of reach, even if you use battery-operated candles or décor. And while pumpkin is a good dietary supplement in many cases, it can still cause stomach upset. Check with your vet if you are unsure. Also, be mindful of wires or electrical cords, which are chewing temptations, especially for young pups. Avoid glow sticks! They can break with a bite and are very toxic!

Know the location and contact number of the local emergency vet and have the ASPCA Poison Control Center listed in your contacts: (888) 426-4435.

Considering Costumes

Benji might love dressing up for any occasion. Or, it might be downright stressful. Start with patience and try to understand your dog. Here is a little guidance:

Don’t wait to begin working with your dog. Even a month before the big day isn’t too soon, especially for the fur kid new to the whole costume gig. Most dogs will need some time to get used to being in a strange and amusing get-up.

Start with a lot of encouraging sniffing. Sit with the pup on the floor and allow her to warm up to the smell (washing it beforehand is probably a good idea). Little by little begin dressing her. Maybe just a paw for a few seconds and repeat. Lots of small treats for each little progression will help her overcome any ambivalence she likely has.

Continue a bit every day, increasing how the number of costume pieces with which you dress your dog. Then begin increasing the time, from mere seconds to building up to a minute or two at a time. 

When she’s decided she’s willing to humor you and participate in this odd human request, don’t wait until the big day for her to wear the costume for a long period. Do this days before…10 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, an hour, and so on. And provide lots of yummy rewards along the way! Finally, she’s showcasing her way to becoming a grand prize winner!

That said, please be mindful that not all dogs have the disposition to wear anything but their birthday suit. Things to bear in mind:

  • Make sure the costume fits properly: It shouldn’t restrict movement or be so loose that the dog gets tangled up or trips.
  • Be sure your pet can see properly, breathe easily, and bark.
  • Remove pieces that can easily be chewed off to prevent a choking hazard.
  • Look for small signs of discomfort such as scratchy tags. (We all know how annoying that can be.)
  • Most importantly, don’t force it. If Doodlebug hates it, let him sport a cute bandana, and give him a treat and a boop on the nose for still being the best dog, ever.

*For creative Halloween costume ideas for pets and parents, click here.

Creative Halloween Costume Ideas for Pet and Parent

Creative Halloween Costume Ideas for Pet and Parent

Written by Alexa Blakely

Halloween is right around the corner, and one of the most exciting parts of the holiday is deciding on your costume. But, this year, maybe you should also consider: What will your dog dress up as for Halloween?

Dressing up your furry friend could be an adorable addition to your plans for the holiday, but if you’re not sure which costume would suit your dog the best, don’t worry! We’ve got a full list of all the best Halloween costume ideas for your dog right here.

Halloween Classics

Sticking to classic Halloween characters is a great and easy way to prepare your dog for the holiday. Try a witch hat on your pup, or maybe being a jack-o’-lantern would suit them better. And you can never go wrong with a pair of bat wings!

Pop Culture Icons

Have you ever thought that your dog would look adorable dressed as one of your favorite fictional characters? Have them try on the suit of your favorite superhero, or don a ballgown and become a Disney princess.

Animal Kingdom

Maybe your dog will transform into a different animal entirely this Halloween season. Create or purchase a mane to turn your best-domesticated friend into a ferocious lion, or add a pair of wings so they can be a beautiful butterfly.

Matching Sets

Still unsure what you want to be for Halloween? Get you and your dog matching outfits! There are plenty of dynamic duos perfect for personification by you and your dog. Get lost somewhere over the rainbow as Dorothy and Toto, or fight crime as Batman and Robin.

And if you’re unsure where to find costumes for your dog, don’t worry! Finding the perfect pet costume is becoming easier every year as many companies are catering to our furry friends to help them (and you) get ready to celebrate this spooky time of year.

If buying a costume isn’t your style, don’t be afraid to make your own. Visit thrift stores or raid your closet for old clothing and accessories for materials to make the perfect DIY costume for your pup.

No matter what costume you choose, your dog is sure to be spookily adorable and exude Halloween spirit!

*Read our article about keeping Fido safe during the Halloween season here.

Ninth Annual Barktoberfest

Ninth Annual Barktoberfest

The Emerald Coast’s favorite doggie costume contest and social is back! Join Dog-Harmony at the 9th Annual Barktoberfest, a canine-only trick-or-treating event, at Grand Park in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin on Friday, October 25, 2024, from 4:30 to 6:30 pm.

Complete with Oktoberfest libations, light bites from JC’s Gourmet, music by GTS Entertainment, and incredible raffle prizes, this event will feature a canine Halloween costume contest. For a $15 donation (or $20 the day of), costumed pets and pawrents can enter to win prizes in the Halloween costume contest. 

Rescue Animal Photography is sponsoring professional photographs of you and your canine trick-or-treater.

This event is free and open to the public and is presented as part of the Coastal Culture Series made possible by the Grand Boulevard Arts & Entertainment Program.

No prong, choke, or shock collars, please.

Event Sponsors