Halloween with Fido!

Halloween is getting more popular every year! The autumn holiday might be enjoyable for Man’s Best Friend, but it can also be risky. Seasonal meals and trappings, weather, and even costumes can all be dangerous to your canine companion. Continue reading as a local Fort Myers, FL veterinarian discusses the intricacies of celebrating Halloween with your furry best friend.

Is It Safe for Your Dog to Wear a Halloween Costume?

That will depend on a number of factors. Of course, the costume itself is the most important factor, but you should also consider your pet’s size, temperament, and health.

Here are a few tips:

Get The Right Size: It is critical that your dog’s costume fits properly. If it is excessively large, he may trip or become entangled in it, possibly injuring himself. A costume that is too small will impede his movements and respiration. And, whether it’s too big or too little, your dog will most certainly be uncomfortable and stressed in something that isn’t fitting right.

Take your canine’s measurements before purchasing anything, regardless of whether you’re ordering an outfit or traveling to the store. Measure your pet’s torso, tummy, and neck circumferences, as well as his shoulder height and spine length. It’s usually a good idea to photograph the numbers and save them to your phone so you can always have them with you.

Pay Attention To The Material: Material should also be considered. You do not want to place your pet in something excessively hot or irritating. Flammable fabrics should also be avoided. Choose a breathable and comfy material. 

Keep in mind that dogs have a voracious hunger and will try to eat, well, pretty much everything. This can be adorable, but it’s also pretty dangerous. This is something to think about while selecting décor, but it also applies when selecting your furry friend’s wardrobe. Avoid anything with small components, such as buttons. Your pooch may try to eat them, which is unsafe. We would also advise against using zippers. Your pet’s fur may become entangled, perhaps injuring him.

Fido’s Temperament: Think about your pet’s personality. Some of our canine companions are pretty bombproof and won’t blink an eye if you put them in a costume. Others are really nervous and/or reactive, and will be very uneasy about wearing clothing. If your pet is visibly unhappy in his attire, don’t force him to wear it.

You should also be cautious with Fido if he is overly active. He may not like the attire so much, but if he is a bouncy ball of zoom, the chances of him being trapped on something will increase.

Your Pet’s Coat: Also consider your pet’s fur length and thickness. A dog with sparse fur may benefit from an extra layer of warmth, but a dog with a thick coat, such as a husky, might soon become overheated in a costume. That doesn’t mean Fido can’t join in the excitement! He might just be better off with something simple, like antlers or a nice tie or bandana.

Doggy Personality: Last but not least, have some fun with your pet. Fido has donned a variety of adorable—and frequently hilarious—outfits throughout the years. He’s played a variety of characters, including spiders, bananas, goats, dinosaurs, Mario, Willie Nelson, and the Pope. The list is endless and grows funnier with each year. Pick something that fits his personality.

Whatever costume you choose, keep a careful eye on Fido once he is dressed. If he appears uncomfortable, take a picture and remove the costume. It’s not worth frightening your devoted canine pal!

We also recommend that you get Fido used to his clothing prior to the event. This also allows you to gauge your pet’s comfort levels, and get an idea of how long he may tolerate his outfit.

Is It Safe To Paint My Canine Companion For Halloween?

You can, but only if you are vigilant about his safety. The key is to only use paints and colors designed exclusively for dogs. Many paints and colors are hazardous to our animal pals, so don’t cut corners on this. Even if you choose a dog-friendly product, test it on a tiny area first and keep an eye out for irritation. Also, keep in mind that you will need to bathe your pooch after the event.

Should You Allow Trick or Treaters?

That is ultimately up to you, but you will need to take a few steps to keep your pooch comfortable and ensure everyone’s safety. If your pet is aggressive, reactive, or afraid, you should probably turn off the porch lights.

Trick-or-treaters can be upsetting for dogs for a variety of reasons. For starters, many puppies are naturally protective of their homes and humans, and they will bark or growl if people approach. That is OK if you only have a few visitors, but a regular stream of dressed visitors may be a little much. Your canine pal may also be upset by that Viking outfit the neighbor’s kid is wearing, or the toddler dressed up as a teddy bear. 

You might also look at some relaxing options. There are many pet-calming products, such as shirts, snacks, collars, and sprays available to help soothe your pet. Ask your vet for recommendations, and follow the instructions to the letter.

Another alternative is to keep Fido in a quiet back room. Give your furry friend some comfortable bedding and a toy or chew that will keep him occupied, and turn on a TV or radio to drown out the noise.

What About Other Halloween Safety Concerns?

Costumes and trick-or-treaters aren’t the only things to be cautious of. Our canine companions never run out of opportunities or ways to get into mischief!

Here are a few more things to be careful of:

Traffic

Halloween increases traffic for both pedestrians and vehicles. Keep this in mind when you’re walking your dog. When putting your pet outside after dark, wear bright, reflective clothes. If you have a yard for Fido to chase squirrels in, do not leave him outside unaccompanied. There’s simply too much potential for harm.

Food

Those sweet goodies can be dangerous—and even deadly—to our canine companions. Many of those festive candies include hazardous chemicals for pets. Chocolate, caffeine, raisins, and xylitol, sometimes known as birch sugar, are among the ingredients. Smaller hard candies and candy wrappers are also dangerous, as these may potentially cause your dog to choke. Keep the candy dish out of reach of the paws! Ask your Fort Myers, FL  vet for more information on safe and unsafe foods.

Decorations

Decorate with your canine companion in mind. Anything small or sharp may be a hazard. Heavy chewers may potentially choke or hurt themselves on fragile or flimsy pieces, such as the cardboard-and-plastic sign. Anything that uses a cord or batteries, as well as things that are lengthy and stringy, such as ropes or cords, is dangerous to your dog. You should also use caution while using flames or candles.

For more information, consult with your Fort Myers, FL veterinarian.

Schedule an Appointment at Our Fort Myers, FL Pet Clinic

Have a happy Halloween! Is it time for your pet’s exam, immunizations, or parasite control? Please contact us, our local Fort Myers, FL animal hospital, at any time.