Halloween! Trick or treaters! Some wild and crazy energy at times! And what about your dog or dogs?

Will there be treat-or-treaters coming to your door, or teenagers roaming around with possibly more mischief than usual on their minds?

Making sure that your dog gets through Halloween just fine is really quite simple. Know your dog and don’t push his limits.

People in costumes, especially groups of silly people in costumes, can frighten dogs or bring out an aggressive reaction. So if you walk your dog, do it before the silliness begins. If you are inviting trick or treaters into your living room, or even just greeting them at the front door, be sure there is no way your dog could get loose. Use a real or makeshift-but-sturdy dog gate of some kind, have your dog on leash, or maybe crate your dog — either where he can see the fun or where he can’t, depending on his temperament.

Some of the children who come to your door may be afraid of dogs, of big dogs, or of barking dogs, so plan for that.

We’ve used an herbal tranquilizer on occasion, or get a full fledged one from your vet for a dog who really has a rough time. Luckily, Halloween isn’t usually as loud as the 4th of July!

Also remember that chocolate, floating around so freely on Halloween night, can be very harmful, even fatal, to dogs. Walking your dog after Halloween as well, watch out for dropped bits.

As for your cats (especially any black ones!) keep them inside and out of the way.

If your dog likes wearing one, a Halloween costume for him may be fun, whether for a pet parade during the day, when you take him out for a walk, or while you’re home with trick or treaters coming. Be sure that whatever he wears is comfortable and that it allows him full movement.

For costume inspiration, see

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIaFsNh_JpU

which runs under two minutes and had me giggling through it. Not all the costumes are ideal, but a lot are.

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