Be SAFE with Dogs & Kids for Halloween

Keep your dog stress and fear free on the spookiest night of the year.

Halloween Safety with Kids and Dogs

Dog Bites Can Be Prevented

Keep your dog calm, cool and collected during Halloween

Half of all children bitten by dogs are under the age of twelve. Most dog bites are by the family dog or a dog that is known to the person. Most dog bites are preventable with a few easy steps to make your 4-legged family member less stressed and fearful during the spookiest night of the year.

Think about Halloween from your dog’s point of view. Costumes, candy, decorations, the door bell ringing again and again and again…it’s enough to give any dog a lot of anxiety. With a little planning ahead, your dog can enjoy a stress free night at home, instead of freaked out, barking, and possibly biting someone.

Our Be SAFE for Halloween videos can help take the “scary” out of October 31st for your dog.

Be SAFE with Dogs at Halloween

Tips & Tricks for Dog Safety at Halloween

No Trick Or Treating Halloween Safety

What Can You Do to Help Your Children Avoid Dog Bites at Halloween

Simple steps that make a difference

  1. Keep Pets Indoors: Kids in costume can be really scary to a dog.
  2. Post a Sign On Your Door: If your dog is bothered by the doorbell or people knocking on the door, either post a sign on your door telling people not to ring the doorbell or wait outside to greet trick-or-treaters.
  3. Keep Your Dog In a Room Away From the Front Door: With the front door opening and closing all night long, keep your dog in another room, away from the front door. Give your dog a food dispensing toy and play soft music to mask the sound of trick-or-treaters visiting.
  4. Don’t Take Pictures Of the Dog & Kids in Halloween Costumes: Your dog may be really scared of the kids dressed up. Family members may not be recognizable to your pets when they are in Halloween costumes.
  5. Costumes Are Optional On Dogs: Most dogs don’t really enjoy being dressed up. Don’t force an unwanted costume on your dog.
  6. Candles Can Be Dangerous: Candle lit carved pumpkins or tea lights on your walkway can be dangerous around dogs. Don’t let your dog start an unwanted fire.
  7. Chocolate Can Be Toxic To Dogs: Store the candy bowl with treats for trick-or-treaters or chocolate collected by family members out of the reach of your dog.
  8. Keep Halloween Decorations Out Of Reach: Be careful decorations inside and outside of your house are kept out of the reach of your dog.

With a few simple precautions and knowing what stresses out your dog, you can make Halloween a fun and enjoyable night for the whole family.

Thanks to Cathy Reisfield of Dependable Dogs for these great tips.

Take a Stand Against Dog Bites

Education for adults and children is key

Any dog can bite, regardless of how long you’ve had your furry friend or how well you think you know him. Unfortunately, many dog bites result in a dog being surrendered to an animal shelter. According to the ASPCA, approximately 1.2 million dogs are euthanized each year.

Help stop the growing number of dog bites and the number of dogs being left at shelters. Educate yourself and your children about proper behavior around dogs, how to greet a dog, and how to respect dogs. A little understanding goes a long way to building a better relationship between your dog and all your family members.

Get your free Dog Bite Prevention ebook for kids & the SAFE activity pack