If you have older children and wish to take advantage of this holiday as a chance to teach some preventative behaviors, work on your dog's responses in advance. Even if you have a social canine, frequent banging on the door along with a lot of commotion can be unsettling. Hold some training sessions where someone knocks quietly on the door, the dog sits calmly on a leash, followed by a treat for good behavior. Increase the number of visitors and loudness of opening and closing the door as your dog's comfort level increases, and reward each calm observance with a treat. Practice this a few times each day to highlight and praise the appropriate behaviors until your dog no longer reacts to such stimuli.
Should your pets be more of the shy or fearful nature, you may find it less stressful for them to simply have a safe space to spend the evening away from the hubbub. Some rescued pets may be more traumatized by these activities so by all means, do not feel that each animal SHOULD be part of Halloween night. Establish a safe zone in a quiet room of your home, perhaps upstairs or furthest from the front door. Provide soothing background music or white noise from a radio or TV, and allow the pet to have familiar items such as a crate if they are most comfortable with one to curl up in. Make this a "no visitor" area to limit their stress and have a favorite bone or couple of Kong treat toys filled for them to work on. Plan to have pets in a room with a door that can stay closed rather than a baby gate (not only they will still see and hear things, but a gate allows for accidental escapes).
If you do have a pet who is familiar with dressing up and participating in holiday events, they can still benefit from a few refresher sessions before the 31st. Practice putting on their costume slowly, so they can see and smell each piece, and double check for small pieces or decorations which can be chewed off or swallowed. Ensure that they are able to move freely, breath and walk comfortably and then do a few test runs with the child who will be accompanying them. Be sure to have the child in costume too - including their mask - so the dog is used to such outfits ahead of time. If you begin to see your dog appear fearful or nervous that's your cue to stop and regroup. Never push an animal to do something they are uncomfortable with and if they show signs of stress now is the time to change plans and explain to the kids that the dog needs to remain at home.
If your well-trained and social-able dog will be out in public, perhaps going trick or treating with the kids, set some ground rules. An adult or older child should be the only ones permitted to walk the dog - safely, and on a leash. We always recommend using a regular leash that is 5'-6' in length, rather than a retractable, to minimize the chance of the pet getting loose. Parents, keep in mind that even the most seasoned dog can have a poor reaction to the sounds and costumes of Halloween. Make sure that your pet is up to the challenge before heading out into the neighborhood! If you have any doubts it's best to just leave the dog home.
Whether you are out roaming the neighborhood or at a party, use common sense. Never leave candles unattended with cats or dogs nearby, even those inside Jack 'o' Lanterns. Only set up luminaries in areas where the pets are not allowed to ensure they will not be walking into a flame or candle. Of course, all pets, especially black cats, should remain safely indoors that night.
While most of the notes above reference dogs, don't take a chance on a cat, bird or other pet darting outside and escaping. Of course, if you have a black cat you already know to keep them indoors during this time of year - not just on the 31st but several nights before and after as well. Remind the kids that this isn't the night to parade the hamster outside to meet the neighbors or allow the pet bird to ride around on someone's shoulder.
Call your family meeting tonight and review these points and topics to make sure everyone is on the same page. Should something happen and a furry family member does accidentally escape, do not delay and act IMMEDIATELY to notify neighbors, animal control, etc. For more information about holiday goodies and animals check out "What's Toxic about Trick or Treat Night".
Lost Pet PR is Delmarva's Lost and Found Network covering
Delaware and Eastern Shore counties of Maryland and Virginia
Delaware and Eastern Shore counties of Maryland and Virginia
