ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, October 27, 1996 TAG: 9610280001
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-26 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
COLUMN: claws and paws
SOURCE: JILL BOWEN
Q: We own an elderly German Pointer that is one of the family and goes everywhere with the children. This Halloween I thought it would be fun to dress him up as a clown and take him trick or treating with my two children. However my husband says it would be unfair on the dog. What do you think?
A: The suggestion that you dress your pet up in a Halloween costume may seem like a cute idea, but in reality it is not a good idea for a number of reasons. Most dogs do not easily tolerate a strange outfit, and your dog may become anxious by being made to wear materials to which he is unaccustomed. This coupled with the ghoulish outfits and spooky behavior of the other children out and about on Halloween, may well cause your dog to become very frightened; even to the point of his reacting aggressively towards the slightest provocation.
It is also important that no item of the costume be kept in place with rubber or elastic bands, as they may accidentally be left on the dog after the costume has been removed and become buried in the animal's fur, where they quickly become embedded in the skin and can cause the blood supply to be cut off, resulting in a very nasty and painful sore requiring veterinary treatment.
Please remember that many sorts of candy, especially chocolate, are toxic to dogs and cats and can cause vomiting, restlessness, heart disturbances, and in extreme cases, death. Make sure that all the candy is kept out of reach of your pet and tell your children not to share their Halloween candy with the dog. If you suspect that your dog has eaten a quantity of chocolate or other candy that is causing him discomfort, you should immediately consult your veterinarian.
There are a number of hazards for your pets that can occur around Halloween. Dogs especially can be easily excited by strangers and may feel threatened, particularly if the trick or treaters are making excessively loud and frightening noises, as they often do. It is preferable to keep your dogs from rushing to the door every time the bell rings. Ideally they should be kept in a closed room, away from the possibility of biting strangers or rushing into the street. Cats are more sensible and hide in a safe spot until all the excitement dies down. Remember that pets are creatures of habit and can become quite stressed when the environment suddenly changes.
Pets are better not involved in trick-or-treat trips and nervous animals need to be protected from all the Halloween traditions. They are usually much happier if left at home in familiar surroundings, preferably with an older member of the family who can reassure them as needed.
If you have a question for Dr. Jill Bowen, please write to her in care of the New River Current, P.O. Box 540, Christiansburg, Va. 24073 or send e-mail to newriver@infi.net.
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