It seems the World-O-Pets has gone Howl-O-Ween BOOOONANAS this year, and as always, when it comes to our pets and our kids... SAFETY FIRST!!!

Our friends the Spooky Buddies, everyone’s favorite talking puppies want to get you into the spirit of the Halloween season!!! This spook-tacular holiday is perfect for everybody in the family to dress up, visit neighbors and enjoy parties and treats. Follow these simple safety tips to make your Halloween adventures a howling success for your kids and your canines!!!

COSTUMES

Puppies:
• Your pet may like getting dressed up with the rest of the family, but make sure their costume is safe.

• The outfit should not be too restrictive or tight.

• Have a “dress rehearsal” a few days before Halloween to make sure they can move about easily.

• Inspect the costume for loose or small parts that they could chew or swallow.

Kids:
• You may want to be as mysterious as possible with your costume, but make sure you aren’t trading mystery for safety.

• If wearing a mask is part of the costume, make sure your vision is not obstructed.

• Costumes shouldn’t be so long that you can trip over it, or so bulky that it’s hard to walk in.

• If your costume is made up of black or dark clothing, add some reflective tape to sleeves and shoes so you will be easily visible to others.


GREETING TRICK OR TREATERS

Puppies:
• If your dog likes to greet every doorbell ring with enthusiasm, work with them before Halloween night. Have several family members ring the doorbell several times in a row do your dog can get used to the noise.

• If your dog still seems to be getting over-excited and worn out greeting each trick-or-treater, put them in a quiet rooms with a few toys until the rush is over.

Kids:
• Make sure an adult is nearby when answering the door to trick-or-treaters. Even if all the visitors are friendly, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by unfamiliar faces.

• Have an adult open the door, then you can help hand out the treats.

TREATS

Puppies:
• Keep a supply of doggy treats on hand for your own pets and any four-legged trick-or-treaters who show up at your door.

• It’s important to know that chocolate and other candy treats can be harmful to our canine friends, so make sure they have their own doggie-treats and keep the human treats out of reach.

Kids:
• Have an adult inspect your treat bag when you arrive home. If you receive any “homemade” treats from unfamiliar homes, you may want to discard those. Then, sift through all of your treats and divide them up into smaller snack bags so you can enjoy having a few treats each day. You’ll enjoy the fun even longer!

TRICK-OR-TREATING

Puppies:
• Don’t leave your dog outdoors alone while trick-or-treaters are out and about. A careless child (or adult) could forget to latch the gate when leaving your yard, giving the dog a chance to escape.

• Also, rambunctious trick-or-treaters may tease your dog as part of their play.

• If you are going to take your dog with you while you trick-or-treat, make sure they are on a leash and have current ID tags, just in case they become separated from you.


Kids:
• Likewise, although you don’t have to be on a leash, make sure you have an adult or older sibling with you on your trick-or-treat rounds.

• Be especially careful when crossing streets

• Stay with your group throughout the evening


HALLOWEEN PARTIES

Puppies:
• If you plan a Halloween party that includes dogs, have it during the day in your regular dog park (where all the dogs know each other) or in a big backyard, where there is room for them to run and play.

• Don’t leave a group of dog unattended for any reason. Make sure there is plenty of water and shade so they don’t get overheated.

Kids:
• Planning a costume party for your family and friends can be a fun way to celebrate Halloween.

• Plan your menu and decorations carefully – no open flames or sharp objects.

• Set the mood with fun music like, “Monster Mash,” and “Thriller” and be sure to have a dance contest along with a best-costume contest.

• Pair teenagers with younger children for activities such as scavenger hunts and pumpkin-carving contests.

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