Tips for a Safe Canine Halloween

Halloween can be fun you and your dog, provided you take a few precautions.

1. NEVER leave Fido alone outside.

There are malicious youngsters (and adults) who could
do anything from taunting him to killing him as a Satanist sacrifice. Sorry to sound so grim, but this night does bring out the worst in many.

2. Patrol your yard and home for tin foil and cellophane
candy wrappers.

Dogs love these, but they can get stuck in his digestive
tract and cause serious injury.

3. If you have candles in a pumpkin, make certain it is
high enough to be out of Fido's reach.

It's easy for a swinging canine tail to knock one over.

4. If you put Fido in a costume make certain --

a) any mask has eye holes big enough so he has peripheral
vision;

b) his costume is not constricting his movement including his ability to go the bathroom;

c) he can breathe and bark in it; and

d) there are no breakable, chewable pieces.

5. No matter how much he begs for it, never give Fido chocolate.

It's poisonous. If your dog does pick up something he shouldn't,
call the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center at (888)
426-4435. It's open 24/7. The $55 fee may be applied
to your credit card.

6. If your dog is nervous, afraid of commotion or shy,
keep in him a separate room away from the trick-or-treaters
and other visitors.

Strangers - especially ones in weird costumes - can
frighten any dog.

If you do encounter strangers while he's with you, don't
baby him if he seems frightened.

Remain calm and friendly with the strangers and let your dog
sense that you are fine with the weird looking people
in front of you.

If you pick him up and try to comfort him, you are teaching
him to be afraid and get attention in that manner.

Remember all your emotions go down your leash right to your dog.
If you're calm, he'll be calm.

7. If you do have Fido with you, don't give him the opportunity
to bolt out the front door when you open it.

Hold him, leash him or keep him a crate.

Keep these few tips in mind and you'll both have a safe and
sane Halloween.

P.S. Visit http://www.ToyBreeds.com
next month for a new edition of the Bone-Mot™.