How to keep your pet safe during Halloween candy season
Most people know that candy can be harmful to people in large doses. But did you know that Halloween is particularly dangerous for dogs? Many ingredients in these popular seasonal treats are toxic to our canine companions and can turn a fun and festive evening into a tragic ending. However, if you’re familiar with the steps you can take to make this holiday safer for your dog, you can enjoy the trick-or-treating carefree and indulge in holiday sweets. Here are some steps, so you know how to keep your pet safe during the Halloween candy season.
What does candy do to dogs?
Most pet owners understand that dogs can’t eat chocolate; there’s a compound found in chocolate that dogs can’t metabolize. Similarly, dogs struggle to metabolize the caffeine in chocolate. These compounds can contribute to heart troubles that can land your pup in the vet’s office.
However, chocolate isn’t the only concern in your candy bag. The ingredient xylitol is incredibly toxic to dogs and fatal in small doses. Xylitol is a commonly used sweetener used in sugar-free treats, like gum or hard candies. It’s essential to know what sugar-free candy is around, and keep it far away from your pup, lest they accidentally ingest it.
Grapes, and their dried form, raisins, are particularly toxic for dogs. That’s more than enough reason to be disappointed to see a small red box of Sun-Made Raisins in a candy bowl.
Aside from the ingredients used in candy, wrappers can be a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockage for your pup. If there are hard plastic lollipop sticks or wrappers, these can also cause intestinal perforations, leading to even more urgent troubles.
Keep Candy out of Reach
If you’re getting ready to host trick-or-treaters this Halloween, make sure to keep candy securely out of reach of your dog. This means keeping on a high shelf or cabinet where your dog can’t get it. Some dogs may counter-surf when you’re not home, knocking food and snacks off of the countertop or table for an illicit treat. Even more troubling, your other pets, like a cat, might work as an accomplice with your pet, knocking your sweets off a high shelf or the top of the fridge to the floor so they can both partake.
Watch children as they go through their candy haul
Most dogs know to follow children closely because that’s often where the food is. When your kids go through their candy bags, make sure to observe your pets for food-stealing behaviors. Kids may feed the dog less-desirable treats to include their furry friends in the festivities. They might also accidentally drop candy where your pup can quickly get it. There’s sure to be a lot of chaos as children sort their candy, so consider putting them in a space where the dog can’t access as they survey their loot.
Teach your dog the “leave it” command
The Halloween candy season is an excellent opportunity to teach your dog new obedience commands. The “leave it” order is perfect for this situation, as it stops your dog from taking interest or eating something on the ground. It’s easy to train your dog to “leave it,” and you’ll probably find that it’s useful in many more situations than just Halloween.
To teach your dog to “leave it,” first put your dog on a leash. The leash will help you control your dog and guide them through the training.
Place a high-value treat on the ground, such as a piece of chicken or hot dog. When your dog notices the treat, tell them to leave it, and use the leash to steer them away. After they turn their back on the treat, reward them.
Eventually, you want to get your dog to a point where they turn away from the treat without you directing them with the leash. If you’re consistent, your dog will learn and understand “leave it” in no time.
Give your dog something special so they can join the fun
Halloween is for everyone! Make sure to include your furry family member in the celebration. Some dogs love to dress up, so make sure they have a costume like everyone else. Even more, you can find special Halloween-themed treats, just for them! Remember, don’t force your dog to do anything they don’t want to – this holiday should be fun for everyone!
With so many things that can harm your pup, Halloween can be scary for a pet owner. However, with a few tricks, you can make sure that this popular holiday is all treat. You’ll probably find that these tips are relevant for other holidays coming up, like Thanksgiving or Christmas. Now that you know how to keep your pet safe during the Halloween candy season, you can enjoy the holidays without fear.
