Keep Fido Fright-Free on Halloween

Scary faces and constant visitors make Halloween very special - and especially stressful - for some dogs. Keep your precious pooches safe during trick-or-treat and Halloween parties. WHS’ Behavior Program Manager, Natalie Zielinski, recommends these helpful Halloween suggestions:

• Little Monsters at the Door Puppies who have never experienced Halloween or dogs who are shy and easily frightened are not good greeters during trick-or-treat. Can you blame them? Ghosts, ghouls and superheros with capes are quite scary. If your dog seems frightened, stay calm and cool. Keep a large distance between your dog and the goblin. Never force your dog to interact if she is frightened. The least stressful option may be to place your dog in a back room with some toys to avoid the scary visitors.
• Did you say doorbell? If your dog is the type to go bonkers at the sound of a doorbell, you should put them in a crate or back room with a delicious chew toy. You can also disconnect your doorbell on this day to avoid the constant trigger.
• Costumes for your dog, you say? Some dogs will proudly strut their stuff in a Halloween costume, while others will cower or even panic. Start with something simple and be sure to reward your dog with tasty treats. Consider practicing 2-3 weeks ahead of time. Once your dog is comfortable with a bandana or fluffy collar, you can move on to the costume. Just drape it over your dog’s back and treat. Practice this several times. You want your dog to be happy when he sees the costume. Next, put the costume on and then shower your dog with tasty treats. Take if off quickly before your dog starts to struggle. Repeat this process several times. If your dog is not comfortable, consider a bandana this year and continue to practice for next year!
• Candy is for Kids Candy is not good for dogs and with their hard-working noses, you can bet they will find it. Be sure to keep all candies secure in cupboards or pantries. Consuming chocolate can be fatal for your pooch. If your dog eats chocolate, call your animal emergency center immediately. Bottom line: keep all candy out of your dog’s reach.
• Safety First If venturing out to trick-or-treat with the kids, you should still keep your dog on a leash, and if it’s dark, some reflective strips from the hardware store or flashing lights will help people and drivers see your little furry ghoul. Make sure that your dog can still see and move comfortably and that she can't chew off and swallow any pieces of her costume!
  

To consult the Behavior Department at the Wisconsin Humane Society, call 414-431-6173, or check online at www.wihumane.org for more great information!