By: Konner Marsh
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV) – Halloween is fast approaching.
With just 3 weeks left before the spookiest night of the year, it’s important to remember safety.
One group that often gets overlooked during the holiday season is dogs.
According to Nationwide Pet Insurance, veterinary practices see a 12% spike in calls and visits during Halloween week.
This is often due to costumes, decorations and most dangerous of all, candy.
It can be a dangerous time for pets, so it’s important to practice safety.
That’s according to Erin Askeland with Camp Bow Wow, a veterinary group that wants to emphasize the importance of pet safety.
“Many pet parents enjoy including their pup in Halloween festivities but don’t realize that the holiday can be hazardous for pets,” Askeland said. “It’s estimated that thousands of dogs are injured or become ill every year due to Halloween traditions like costumes, decorations and treats.”
She recommends ways that you can keep your dog safe during the Halloween season.
Avoid taking dogs trick-or-treating
Askeland says that dogs often become spooked by strangers, especially ones that are in costumes or masks.
This increases the possibility for them to bite someone or run away if they feel threatened.
“It’s better to keep them in a secure, safe space at home where they cannot escape or approach trick-or-treaters,” Askeland said. “Especially if your dog has a tendency to become angry and bark at strangers.”
If you do decide to take your dog trick-or-treating, she says you should make sure it’s on a leash and to be alert in case it decides to lash out.
Ensure your dog’s costume is safe
According to Askeland, your pet’s costume should allow for free movement, hearing, vision, breathing and barking.
She recommends avoiding costumes with small pieces that could easily be chewed off to avoid a choking hazard.
Askeland says that you should try your pet’s costume on before the big night.
She adds that if there is any reservations with your pet’s costume, you should avoid it all together.
Keep candy out of reach
Candy can be one of the most potentially dangerous aspects of Halloween for dogs.
Askeland says that dogs should avoid chocolate completely; it is extremely toxic to them.
She stresses that dark chocolates and baking chocolates are the two most dangerous kinds for dogs.
“If you suspect your pet has consumed something toxic, call your veterinarian or your local poison control immediately,” Askeland said.
She also says that owners should be cautious when leaving Halloween candy, especially chocolate laying around.
“Make sure you leave your candy somewhere that can’t be reached by your dog,” she said. “If your dog can get up on your counter or table, don’t candy there.”
Be mindful of decorations
Askeland’s last piece of advice is to be careful when decorating your house for Halloween.
She says that edible decorations, like pumpkins, can cause an upset stomach for dogs.
“They aren’t going to fall over dead or anything, but pumpkins usually give dogs a tummy ache,” she said.
Askeland also warns about fake cobweb decorations, as they are a popular snack for the dogs they see every year.
“It never fails that we see at least one dog that got a hold of fake cobweb decorations,” Askeland said. “Just keep that in mind before covering your whole house in them.”