7 Halloween Safety Tips for Pets

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Halloween Safety Tips –  Private Dog Trainer

Private dog trainer First Friend Canine Consulting has some tips on you during this holiday. We all know Halloween is a fun and festive time for children and their families. But, without some safety precautions the holiday can become a nightmare for your dogs. Follow these safety tips from your private dog trainer to keep your dogs safe.

1. Keep all candy safely out of reach.

• Chocolate, especially dark chocolate is toxic to dogs. Candies with the artificial sweetener Xylitol is poisonous to dogs. Even a small amount is an emergency situation.

2. Keep your dog indoors.

• You don’t want to risk them getting scared and running away. Any you don’t want to leave them at the mercy of pranksters.

3. Indoors is safer than outside but a constantly opening door poses the risk of an escape.

• Strangers in costumes increase that risk. In the least, block access to the door or put up a baby gate. Better yet give your dog a special treat and leave them secured in a crate or a room with the door closed.

4. Keep lit pumpkins out of reach of your dog.

• You want to avoid a fire hazard should one get tipped over. You also want to avoid the risk of your dog getting burned.

5. Costumes for your dogs?

• Don’t wait until Halloween to try them on. Make sure it fits properly and is comfortable, doesn’t have any pieces that can easily be chewed off, and doesn’t interfere with your dogs sight, hearing, breathing, opening his mouth, or moving. Never leave your pet unsupervised while he/she is wearing a costume. Some pets may be uncomfortable wearing a costume. Acclimate them slowly with lots of tasty treats. If your pet remains uncomfortable, forego the costume and have him wear a Halloween themed bandanna instead.

6. Keep glow sticks out of reach of your dog.

• The liquid inside is not toxic but will cause your dog to salivate excessively and act strangely.

7. Proper ID tags

• This will increase the chances of a fast and safe return should your dog escape. Microchips are also important in case the collar or tags come off. Use Halloween as a reminder to make sure all information on ID tags and microchips are up to date.

Happy Halloween from First Friend Canine Consulting!

Meeting your dog training needs in the Hudson Valley areas of New Paltz, Poughkeespsie, Wappingers Falls, Fishkill, Beacon, Carmel, Newburgh.