Wasabi's pup dressed up for Halloween

Spook-Free Havanese Halloween

Among the numerous safety measures that should be taken for children during Halloween, our Havanese can sometimes be forgotten.

Halloween for your Havanese can be more frightening than fun. Here are a few tricks to make the holiday safer and less spooky for your Havanese:

• Walk your Havanese BEFORE trick-or-treaters start their visits. Keep a firm grip on the leash. Many dogs can be frightened by people in costumes. When walking dogs after Halloween, watch carefully for what they might pick up and choke on. Bits of candy and wrappers abound on sidewalks and streets after holidays.

• Place a dog gate in front of your front door to block access in case someone accidentally lets your Havanese out. Many Havanese will run out the door towards the trick-or-treaters to escape. You can also consider crating your Havanese, which can make him feel more secure and reduce chances of accidental escapes. Provide chew toys, a favorite blanket, a piece of clothing with your scent on it, or whatever comforts your little one. Play soft music or a recording of soothing sounds.

• Don't leave any lighted candles or Jack-O-Lanterns where they could be knocked over by a curious Havanese. Not only could your dog start a fire but they could severely burn themselves in the process.

• Keep your Havanese away from the front door if the ringing doorbell makes him anxious. Realize that children dressed up in costumes can be quite scary to your dog unless you have taken the time to slowly condition him or her. Just the sheer number of children can create uneasiness and induce barking.

• Keep your Havanese away from the Halloween candy. Chocolate can be fatal. Pick up any stray candy wrappers, which can be a choking hazard. Consider buying or creating Halloween biscuits especially if you have little children. This way they can share without feeling they are leaving your little one out.

• Dressing your little one in costumes can be fun but you should think twice about subjecting your dog to complicated costumes. If your pet does not have complete freedom of movement and complete ability to see, it can create an accident never mind be plain stress-filled and uncomfie. Do not use a costume that has small pieces that could be swallowed accidentally.

• Don't leave your pet out in the yard on Halloween. There are plenty of stories of vicious pranksters who have teased, injured, stolen, even killed pets on this night unfortunately.

• If you are having a Halloween party, unless your dog is very friendly and is conditioned to costumes, loud noises, music and lots of people, you should keep them separate for the night.

Many dogs can become agitated or distressed when they hear loud noises such as thunder or eerie music and loud noises from children. Common reactions include hiding, shaking, urinating on the floor and occasionally destructive behaviours like chewing through screen doors to escape to safe territory.

There are ways you can deal with noise fear. You can slowly condition them by playing a recording of the noise weeks ahead of time at a low level in the background. You can also get them to relate to the noise with 'good' things. A Havanese owner, Angela said she makes a point of getting Bella (her Havanese) used to the sound of fire works...every time a firecracker goes off, she doesn't make a big deal of it, but instead gives her a treat...so she now identifies the sound of fireworks with good things.

• If you notice these symptoms of chocolate poisoning, go to your vet or an emergency vet right away because your pet's life may be in danger:

- Excessive drooling
- Excessive urination
- Pupil dilation
- Rapid heartbeat
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Hyperactivity
- Muscle tremors and seizures

Some dogs view Halloween as a smorgasbord of possibilities and need to be watched during this time. Know your limitations and do what you should to protect your little one.

© Content published on this page has been a collaborative effort and provided by, and copyrighted by Darlah Potechin and Nathan Potechin, talemakerhavanese.com. No unauthorized reproduction or re-publication in any medium whatsoever is permitted without prior written permission.