Dog behavior experts say to be wary of costumes and candy this Halloween season. But Arden Moore’s Chihuahua-poodle mix Emma enjoys dressing up, so she’ll be a pirate. Photo provided
By Arden Moore
With Halloween approaching, let’s size up this holiday from your pet’s perspective. Your home may harbor piles of candy bars containing a definite doggy no-no: chocolate. On Halloween night Oct. 31, the constant ringing of the front doorbell and parade of people in strange costumes can be enough to spook your pooch into darting out the door or getting into home-turf protective mode.
You may love to see your dog dressed in a Spider-Man costume, but he prefers sporting his collar and ID tags.
How can we keep Halloween fun and safe for your pets? For answers, I turned to two top experts in Palm Beach County: Dr. Lindsay Butzer, DVM, and Jo Jo Harder, creator of America’s Top Dog Model contest.
Covering the health and safety aspects is Butzer, who practices veterinary medicine with her father, Dr. Brian Butzer, at Clint Moore Animal Hospital in Boca Raton and is regarded as a top-viewed veterinarian on social media platforms.
“Chocolate is dangerous to dogs because it contains theobromine and caffeine,” she says. “Dogs metabolize theobromine extremely slowly, allowing toxic concentrations to build up in their systemic circulation.”
She adds that the darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is to be consumed by dogs. Symptoms can include trembling, vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heart rate and muscle twitches. In some case, even death can occur.
Her recommendations:
• Keep Halloween candy away from access by your dogs.
• Consider handing out small candy sizes and not big candy bars that contain more chocolate.
• Keep hydrogen peroxide on hand that can be used to induce vomiting in dogs.
“Contact your veterinarian immediately or a veterinary toxicologist at the ASPCA Poison Control hotline for guidance on giving the right amount of hydrogen peroxide to your dog to induce vomiting, and definitely get your dog to the vet clinic,” adds Butzer.
In addition, she advises preventing your pets from getting near holiday candles.
“The wax from the candles can ball up in a dog’s stomach,” she says. “The flames can also burn a dog’s paw or mouth.”
Her final tip: Enjoy taking your children trick-or-treating from house to house in your neighborhood but leave your dog at home.
“Seeing someone in a spooky costume in the dark could startle your dog into biting someone or escaping,” she says. “Make sure your dog wears a collar with an ID tag and is microchipped.”
For dogs who dig wearing clothes, especially during the upcoming holidays, Harder unleashes great advice. This Boca Raton resident created the annual America’s Top Dog Model contest and has authored four books, including Vintage Tails: Featuring America’s Top Dog Models.
Fido Fashion Rule No. 1: Verify your dog likes wearing clothes first.
“A dog’s body language that may indicate avoidance when it comes to dressing up, include backing away, lowering the body, lip-licking, pawing at the fabric or shaking it off,” says Harder. “Not all dogs like wearing clothes and it is important not to force them. Their happiness is our No. 1 priority.”
Fido Fashion Rule No. 2: Find the right Halloween costume for your dog that fits.
“Getting the right fit is most important for both comfort and safety,” says Harder. “Ill-fitting outfits can restrict movement, cause chafing, or slip out of place. The best fabrics for dog Halloween costumes are lightweight, made of breathable materials like cotton, jersey knit or soft fleece.”
Fido Fashion Rule No. 3: Pay attention to your dog’s breed.
“The six dog breeds that seem to love wearing clothes and showcasing their style are the poodle, Maltese, Chihuahua, dachshund, Yorkshire terrier and Italian greyhound,” says Harder. “I base this on my experience of over 15 years directing America’s Top Dog Model national contest and overseeing our dog model casting calls for Paw Prints magazine. These breeds seem to delight in the attention and adoration that comes with dressing up.”
Of my three dogs, Kona, Emma and Nova 6 Toes, only Emma (yes, a Chihuahua-poodle mix) enjoys wearing Halloween costumes. She revels in the attention she gets and of course, the treats. This year, she will be a happy, pint-sized pirate.
I wish you and your cool canines a spooktacular and safe Halloween!
Arden Moore is an author, pet podcast show host and master certified pet first aid instructor. Check out her sites at ardenmoore.com.
Halloween events
Got an outgoing, well-mannered dog who loves sporting a Halloween costume? Check out these Halloween-themed events in Palm Beach County:
Howl-O-Ween Dogs’ Day in the Garden: This event takes place from 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 11 at Mounts Botanical Garden, 531 N. Military Trail in West Palm Beach. It is being held in partnership with the Peggy Adams Rescue League. Free for members. Non-member adult admission is $20, $5 for dogs. Learn more at peggyadams.org/events/howl-o-ween-dogs-day-in-the-garden/.
Howl-O-Ween Party: Costumes for dogs and their people are encouraged at this event that takes place from 9 a.m. to noon on Oct. 24 at the Countess de Hoernle Park, 1000 NW Spanish River Blvd. in Boca Raton. It is hosted by the city of Boca Raton Recreation Services Department. Learn more at myboca.us/3016/Howl-O-Ween.
Pups N’ Pumpkins: This event features a dog costume contest, vendors and seasonal fun. It will be from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 28 at The Shops at Boca Center, 5150 Town Center Circle in Boca Raton. Tickets are $20 a person. The event benefits Tri-County Animal Rescue. Learn more at tricountyanimalrescue.org/event/pups-and-pumpkins/.
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