Hello, dog lovers!

Ready or not, Halloween is just around the corner! As we prep for the festivities, it’s essential to remember that our four-legged friends also deserve a safe and fun-filled Halloween. Whether your pup is a brave trick-or-treater or prefers to stay curled up on the couch, we’ve got you covered.

For those of you with adventurous pups ready to join the family trick or treating, consider a few safety tips. Getting dogs ready for Halloween costumes can be a delightful way to involve them in the festive spirit. However, it’s essential to prepare our furry friends ahead of time to ensure their comfort and safety.

• First, introduce the costume gradually and positively. Start by letting them sniff and investigate the costume, rewarding them with treats and praise for calm behavior.
• Gradually progress to putting the costume on for short periods, increasing the duration as they become more comfortable.
• Always ensure the costume allows for unrestricted movement, doesn’t obstruct their vision or breathing.

A leash is a must-have, even for the most obedient dogs; it keeps them close, safe, and prevents them from running off after a particularly interesting scent or that cute Frankeweenie down the way!  Keep an eye on your dog’s body language: if they look stiff, nervous, or twitchy, you might be overbooing it. Time to head home.

Remember, many Halloween goodies are not dog-friendly. Keep candy out of paw’s reach, especially chocolate and sugar-free candy, which can contain xylitol, both of which can be harmful to dogs. 

Now for our dogs who find Halloween way too spooky, create a calm and comfortable space for them at home. Keep them in a quiet room away from the doorbell’s constant ringing. Playing soft music can help soothe their nerves. If your dog is really anxious, consider turning all your lights off (the universal signal for No Candy Here) or setting a bowl out at the very end of your driveway to prevent ghosts and goblins from haunting your premises.

Dogs can’t understand the concept of Halloween, so tricks that may seem harmless to us can be stressful or even terrifying for them. This could lead to long-term anxiety problems. Remember, our goal is to make Halloween a fun and positive experience for our furry friends!

No tricks! Just treats!

Let’s not forget about the treats for our good boys and girls! Treat your dog with a homemade pumpkin cookie. Here’s a simple recipe: 

Dog-Safe Pumpkin Treats

Ingredients

1. 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour or an alternative flour that is safe for your dog

2. 1/2 cup canned pumpkin

3. 1 egg

4. 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Mix all ingredients together until dough forms.

3. Roll out dough and cut into shapes with Halloween themed cookie cutters! 

4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until crispy.

Look online for some tasty recipes that dogs and their humans can enjoy! This recipe can be safely tweaked for human tastebuds.

These treats are not only delicious but also beneficial for your pet’s digestive health. 

This Halloween, let’s ensure that our beloved dogs are safe, happy, and maybe a little spoilt. After all, they are a part of our family. Remember, a prepared pet parent makes for a happy pet. 

Happy Halloween!