Is it Safe to Bring Fido Trick-or-Treating?
Halloween is a holiday that your companion can enjoy too! Before taking Fido trick-or-treating, consider the following.
Temperament
First, consider what your pal can handle. If you take them trick-or-treating will they experience stress, behave poorly or become aggressive? Not all pups respond well to new noises, smells, and sights that they may encounter on Halloween. This can include other kids, pets, or decorations. Use your judgment to determine if trick-or-treating is something your companion will enjoy.
Age
Trick-or-treating means a lot of walking for you and your pal. Consider your pup’s age and if they have the stamina to keep up. You could also bring Fido with you for a portion of the night if you can drop them back off at home for some rest. Consider what is best for your furry friend and what they can handle.
Experience
If you have taken your pal trick-or-treating before, use that as a guideline. If Fido had a good time and you didn’t experience problems, it is safe to say that you can trick-or-treat together again. However, if they responded poorly, you may want to have them sit this one out. And, if you have any doubts about your four-legged friend’s tolerance, play it safe and let them spend the night at home.
Other Safety
If you do decide to bring Fido along, follow a few safety tips! For example, pack essentials such as water, snacks, poop bags, and maybe a toy and a sweater. Additionally, ensure that your pal can be identified if they get lost. This can be with an ID tag or a microchip with your contact information.
You should also ensure that your companion is visible using reflective tags or a flashlight. With that being said, use a leash, stick to the sidewalks, and stay off the road. Be sure that your companion will respond to training cues such as sit, stay, and come. Some practice may be necessary leading up to Halloween.
Additionally, don’t share your candy with Fido. Although sharing is caring, candy is dangerous and sometimes poisonous. Also, don’t accept dog treats from strangers, especially if they are homemade. This is a concern particularly if your pal has a food allergy.
Including our pups in the festivities can be so much fun! Just remember to do what is best for your pal and follow the safety tips above.