Have a not-so-scary Howl-o-ween

Halloween 2020 will be like no other.  Social distancing and masks have become the norm…and we aren’t talking Halloween masks.  Community involvement in Halloween festivities may be scaled down this year, but your neighborhood may still choose to safely welcome trick or treaters

If your dog fits the mold of a typical dog, (and I know you are asking what a “typical dog: is ?)  he doesn’t like people knocking on the door or ringing the doorbell.  This is particularly true if every 5 minutes , his plans of an evening of solitude are interrupted by masked ghouls and goblins begging for Snickers,  Milky Ways and Kit Cats, uhhh…, Kit Kats.

Here are a couple of tips to make your dog’s Howl-o-ween night not-so-scary.

Chocolate.  We love it but it’s just not good for dogs, They cannot metabolize theobromine, an alkaloid of the cacao plant , and it can rise to toxic levels in their body.  Symptoms of theobromine toxicity range from vomiting and diarrhea up to seizures, irregular heart rate , internal bleeding and death. Be on the safe side and keep your treats out of reach such as on a top shelf and behind a cabinet door.  Remember, most dogs are expert counter surfers and pretty darn  cunning when it comes to getting food that they can see or smell.  On Halloween night, keep the candy dish well supervised as you wait for the first trick or treaters to make their way up your sidewalk.  Local dog bakeries offer Howl-o-ween themed cakes and cookies to include your dog in celebrating the night of ghosts and ghouls.

If your dog is happy to meet trick-or- treaters Halloween night, ensure his safety by keeping him securely on a leash when you open the door.  Even the most bomb- proof dogs, can get spooked by novel sights and sounds and dash out the door and down the street. Of course, you should always have him microchipped and have his collar tagged with his contact information for this very reason. Set safe boundaries for both your dog and the trick-or -treaters such as that he cannot be offered chocolate or candy treats and whether he can be petted or not  

You and your dog may decide the ghoulish meet and greets at the door aren’t really his thing. Tuck your dog in for the evening in the back of the house in his safe crate. He’ll be satisfied with a tasty treat-filled Kong and soft music or his favorite TV show to mute the sound of the doorbell.  

If your dog is super noise sensitive, you may choose to opt out of Halloween altogether. Take him out for a ride in the country or simply turn off your porch lights to signal that you are not accepting trick or treaters.

After the bewitching hour is over, you can settle in with your dog for a private party of well know dog tricks and  festive dog treats.