October 14, 2005
One in ten dog owners dress their pet up for Halloween, according to a survey of 1,000 adults conducted by the American Kennel Club.
Women were more than six percent more likely than men to dress-up their pooch, the survey said, while men were 12 percent more likely to wonder why anyone would ever consider dressing their dog in the first place.
Whether your dog dons a costume or not, the AKC said it recommended owners follow the following guidelines for a safe Halloween:
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If you dress your dog in a costume, supervise him at all times. Make sure the costume fits properly and is not in the way of his breathing, eyesight or hearing. Swallowing elastic or decorative items could cause intestinal obstructions or choking.
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Do not feed you dog chocolate or sweets, which can harm your pets digestive system and even cause death.
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Walk you dog early on Halloween, while its still light outside. Make sure to keep you pet away from any candy wrappers and broken eggs that may be on lawns or streets.
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Children in costumes can frighten dogs. Make sure pets are in a safe and secure room when entertaining trick-or-treaters to prevent them from running out, getting hurt, or frightening your visitors.
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Don't leave your dog unattended outside on Halloween, even if he is behind a fence. Pranksters may target him with eggs, and passersby may give him potentially harmful treats and candy.
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Be careful about where you place candles or jack-o-lanterns. They an easily be knocked over by your dogs wagging tail and either burn your dog or start a fire.