posted in 29 Oct, 2010 by Guest Writer, Dianne Sarasin from Bark Busters Ottawa
Read last year’s halloween article.
Also read the Ottawa Humane Society’s Halloween Tips
Halloween is the only holiday intended to scare and startle us. Unfortunately, this can be a haunting holiday for dogs, too, which can result in uncharacteristic unruly or aggressive behavior. Aggression in most cases stems from fear. We can give dogs a treat on Halloween by being more sensitive to their ‘fight or flight’ instincts.
While dogs in costume are cute for us to see, it’s an unnatural behaviour for a dog. But if you elect to put your dog into a costume this Halloween, follow the steps that can help him become familiar to the costume slowly.
Though I suggest you think twice about dressing your dog in a costume – Some dogs might enjoy being dressed up, but many don’t. And yes they make us laugh and don’t they look so cute in their costumes. But have you looked at your dog’s body language when he’s wearing one, have you looked at his facial expression? Most dogs look unhappy and uncomfortable. Experiment first to see if your dog likes being in a costume. If so, fine – he’ll most likely enjoy himself. However, if he shows any resistance, don’t do it. There is enough stress for dogs around Halloween without adding the discomfort and peculiarity of wearing a strange costume.
Be sure to keep the candy away from the dog! With all of the candy floating around during Halloween, your dog may easily find a wrapper or a piece of candy on the sidewalk, in your yard or even your home. It is important to keep any and all candy and chocolate away from your dog in order to avoid illness.
According to Bark Busters, isolated and random events that can cast excitable spells on dogs throughout the year tend to converge on Halloween. Ringing doorbells, spilled food, excessive yelling and screaming, and odd clothing that covers a stranger’s eyes or head all can be very disconcerting to dogs, and even more so when experienced together on the same night. While there is only so much dog owners can do to control external surroundings, they can help maintain their dog’s peace of mind and safety on All Hollow’s Eve by observing the following tips:
- Don’t leave your dog or cat outside – Bring your pets inside, even if you have a fenced yard or invisible fence. Pranksters love to tease dogs and cats and can be cruel to them, so protect your pets by putting them in a safe place.
- Keep your dog restrained – It’s best to put him in a separate room, or in his crate away from the front door, if your dog goes ballistic on the sound of the bell, disconnect the bell. If you allow your dog at the front door, keep him restrained on a leash. A dog’s behavior when he sees children in masks is very unpredictable. A very gentle dog can become aggressive when fearful, resulting in possible bites. Also, a restrained dog cannot run out the front door and become lost in the neighborhood. Just in case, make certain that identification tags are secure on your dog’s collar.
- Work on keeping your dog in a calm state. And the best way to do this is to go for two long, brisk walks during the day.
- Keep dogs away from candles and pumpkins – When excited or agitated, it’s easy for a dog to knock over a lit candle or pumpkin. Pumpkins are fine to have around your dog, just not in a location where they can be accidentally knocked over.
Bark Busters wishes everyone a safe and happy Halloween.
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Liz Bradley is a dog lover who lives in Ottawa, Ontario with her husband,