by Dr. Nolan Zeide, Bull’s Head Pet Hospital
Next to Thanksgiving, Halloween is my favorite holiday! The masks, the games, the CHOCOLATE! How can anyway not love it?!?!? Well, I guess on the other hand, my dog Vader doesn’t, he actually HATES IT! Not only is he not allowed to go near any of the chocolate yumminess (more on that later) but the constant doorbell ringing drives him batty! Then the kids that are at the door scream “trick or treat!” they are wearing weird outfits and wave buckets and wands and all sorts of accessories; all of which Vader does not understand and just causes him to be more anxious.
Here are a few techniques I try to use to make Halloween as fun for Vader, as it is for me and my family:
Halloween candy is the #1 BEST part of the day! But not for dogs; they can’t metabolize the chocolate and can become very sick from it. So while we are snacking on some of our freshly obtained bounty I try to have special treats for Vader-a kong filled with peanut butter or special chew bones etc. This keeps him both occupied and away from my kids while they are snacking and makes him feel included in all the fun.
During the time people are coming and going from our house I try to have Vader in a separate area so that he is not bothered by the doorbell or kids in costumes. I have not gone so far as to have Vader on any medications to combat his Halloween anxiety but I do have several clients that need to give their pets medications. Please consult with your veterinarian if you feel this is necessary. Along the same lines for everyone with kitty cats, isolating them to a room or somewhere away from the excitement and away from the open door is always a good plan. CAT NIP CAT NIP CAT NIP!
Important tips for Halloween night if your pet DOES get into chocolate:
All chocolate but especially DARK chocolate is most toxic to our dogs. Most sugar candies are not toxic but can definetly cause stomach upset if your dog got into them, but worst off are sugar free candies and gums that contain the artificial sweetener “Xylitol” This sweetener can have dangerous effects on the liver. Please contact your vet or you can call Pet Poison Helpline at or ASPCA Poison Control.
In all, Halloween can be fun for the entire famly two and four legged alike! Please use common sense and be safe!
Nolan Zeide is a Veterinarian in Stamford CT at Bull’s Head Pet Hospital where he lives with his wife Leah and 3 daughters. Leah has found Stamford Moms as an indispensable resource for all things “mommy.”