Here are a few helpful tips to keep your dog safe and reduce his stress, fear and anxiety if you are taking him out and about on Halloween. With all the commotion of excited little ones and extra noise and activity around your dog, he may not be able to cope. These tips might make it a little easier, but don't forget if he is so overwhelmed and scared, why bother? We all know dogs in costumes are funny, but you are not doing this for his entertainment, but yours.

PRACTICE:

Dress your dog up in the costume your have selected a couple of times before the big day and walk him around in it as you are going to do on Halloween. This way at least he won't be intimidated by this unusual apparel. If he is used to it he may relax and enjoy the walk about with all the extra activity being interesting, rather than distressing.

BE AWARE OF YOUR PETS ANXIETY:

Dogs in costumes will let you know by their actions if they are not going to tolerate being dressed up. We've all seen what looks like agility moves while your pet is desperately trying to remove something from themselves that they don't like. Once again if your pet can't get used to the costume, don't bother.

BE VISIBLE:

Add reflective tape to the costume so drivers can easily see your dog, if the costume doesn't already come with this added feature.

MAKE SURE THE COSTUME IS SAFE:

There should be no loose pieces or decorations on the costume that your pet can ingest. These objects such as buttons, loose fabric or extra add-ons could potentially become lodged in your pet's intestines causing choking, or a bowel obstruction. Also make sure nothing is hanging around his feet where he could get tangled or trip.

MAKE SURE THE COSTUME FITS PROPERLY

Just as you do with his collar, check and make sure you can get two or three fingers between your dog and the fabric or tie-on that goes around your pet to hold the costume in place. Be extra diligent if there are any strings or wraps around his neck.

MAKE SURE THE COSTUME IS LIGHTWEIGHT:

Don't forget you are putting clothes over your pet's fur coat. If the costume is too heavy he may overheat and become exhausted. Carry a pet water bottle and offer it often. Watch for excessive panting or lagging behind. If this happens remove the costume.

USE A LEASH AND MAKE SURE ID TAGS ARE ON YOU PET:

Obviously a common sense tip here with no explanation necessary.

CARRY YOUR OWN APPROPRIATE PET TREATS:

We should all know by now not to give our pets chocolate as it is toxic. Also anything with a wrapper or a lollipop stick is once again dangerous due to the possibility of choking or bowel obstruction if they are swallowed. If you have healthy dog treats, then your pet won't feel left out of the evening's festivities.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN AND MAKE SURE PETS AND PEOPLE ALIKE HAVE FUN!

Even though we think Halloween is fun, our dogs may be stressed out and scared. Here are a few tips to help relieve their anxiety if you are taking you dog out trick and treating in a costume. Always put your pets feelings first and read their moods. For more info on happy healthy dogs check out my website: http://www.recipes4gourmetdogs.com