My two dogs Linkin and Story are my best buds. I love being able to bring them along with me to the Halloween festivities, but I also want to make sure we are all safe and having a good time.
Halloween can end up being a terrifying night if you don’t keep your fur baby safe. Ending up searching for a lost dog or spending your night at the doggie ER clinic would be a nightmare.
Dressing up your dog for Halloween is adorable, and I have the pictures to prove it! But, make sure you follow these Halloween safety tips for your dog to ensure that you and your dogs have a Happy Halloween! And, be sure to read all the way to the bottom to see how to enter the Alberstons Safeway stores Hairy N’ Scary contest, benefiting your local animal shelter!
My rescue dog Linkin dressed as a lion
1. Keep candy out of reach
All kinds of chocolate and candy with artificial sweetener can be dangerous and poisonous for dogs. Make sure that you keep your candy out of reach and keep an eye on your dog while walking the streets as they may find a dangerous tempting treat on the ground to snack on.
2. Make sure the costume fits
If you are dressing your doggie up, make sure the costume fits and it is not impeding his/her breathing, sight, or hearing.
My sister’s dog Fischer dressed as a butterfly
3. Keep your dog secure
Your dog may get stressed or scared by the constant doorbell rings and children in costumes. Keep your dog in a separate room or in their crate. If you want your dog to greet trick-o-treaters, keep them on a leash. Even if your dog is well-behaved, it is more likely for them to run out on Halloween when strange things are happening outside his/her normal routine.
4. Don’t leave them outside
You may believe that trick-or-treaters are all sweet little children dressed in costume, but there are pranksters out there as well. Leaving your dog out in the yard, even behind a fence, can subject them to being targeting by eggs or given candy that can harm them.
My sister’s dog Railey dressed as a hot dog
5. Keep them away from Jack-o’-Lanterns
A dogs excited wagging tail can knock over a burning pumpkin or catch fire. Consider a battery-operated candle or flashlight in the jack-o’-lantern instead.
6. Keep electric cords or lights away
Dogs may be tempted to chew on lighted cables and cords and/or get tangled in them.
My parents dog Max dressed as a pumpkin
7. Ensure your dog doesn’t overheat
If you are dressing your dog in a costume (which they are not used to wearing) and it’s a warm evening, your dog can quickly overheat. Make sure they are comfortable in their costume and having a great time too!
8. Take your dog for a walk in the day
If you want to show off your dog in costume, try to do it during the day. Dogs can get scared of children in costumes and it’s less likely they’ll get spooked during the day.
My sister’s dogs Wyatt and Boone dressed as Minions with Gru and Agnes
9. Supervise your pets in costume at all times
Make sure there are no small parts or decorations on your dog’s costume that they can swallow on and choke. Keep an eye on them in a costume and limit the amount of time he/she wears it.
10. Give them extra cuddles
While Halloween may be super fun for you, it can be scary and stressful for your fur baby. Loud noises, strange costumes, and people constantly coming towards their house…it is very different from their usual routine. Give your dog some extra attention and love on Halloween to show them it’s OK.
My dog Story dressed as a monster
Enter The Hair N’ Scary Contest to Benefit Shelter Dogs
Your local Albertsons Safeway family stores have all the supplies you need for your dog. Adorable costumes, fun toys, dog-approved treats and food. And, they are showing their support for animals this Halloween, in partnership with Nestle Purina, through their Hairy N’ Scary pet photo contest. If you are like me and you have a heart for rescue animals, then I encourage you to participate.
One winner from 13 of the Albertsons Safeway divisions will be selected and will receive a $250 donation along with ten (10) bags of Purina ONE® (16.5lb.) and ten (10) bags of Purina® Cat Chow® (16 lb.), in their name, to their local, non-profit, accredited animal shelter or rescue to assist with housing, feeding, caring for, and finding families for, thousands of dogs, cats and other lovable creatures. That means pet supplies and cash for your local animal shelter! How great is that?
How to enter:
- From now until October 31st, take a photo of your furry friend in its best Halloween costume
- Share the photo of your pet to Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram using the hashtag #HairyNScary and the handle for your local @Albertsons or @Safeway store.
- You can also enter by submitting your photo to the store’s Fan Reel Page for Albertsons or Safeway
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Albertsons Safeway. The opinions and text are all mine.