12 Tips For Keeping Your Greyhound Safe and Happy at Halloween

Halloween can be a fun and exciting time, but it can be a very frightening, stressful, and dangerous time for greyhounds. Halloween celebrations can pose risks and threats to our hounds and it’s important to ensure the safety and happiness of our furry friends. In this blog post, we will provide you with some helpful tips to keep your greyhound safe and happy during Halloween.

1. Consider walking your greyhound at a different time to avoid guisers / trick or treaters

By taking your greyhound out earlier or later in the evening, you may miss the business of Halloween celebrations and reduce the risk of frightening your hound. Remember to ensure that your hound has an identification tag with your contact details and a correctly fitting collar or harness. A double ended lead is helpful in providing additional reassurance should your hound get spooked.

Taking your hound out earlier in the day and ensuring he/ she has had plenty of exercise, may help him / her relax. Greyhounds love to sleep, so he / she may be more likely to snooze the evening away following increased activity earlier in the day!

Paddy says: My hoomum uses a double ended lead for reassurance!

2. Create a Safe Space

Trick-or-treaters, loud noises, and unfamiliar sights can be overwhelming for greyhounds. Designate a quiet and secure space in your home where your greyhound can retreat to if they feel stressed or anxious. This area should be away from the front door and any Halloween decorations. Provide your greyhound with their favourite toys, a cosy bed, and some background noise to help create a calming environment. For greyhounds that are crate trained, they may feel secure there, happily playing with a favourite toy or chew.

Whilst some greyhounds love greeting strangers, trick or treaters may be ringing the doorbell, or knocking at the door well for a large part of the evening, which may cause additional stress. If trick or treaters are entering the home, they may be dressed up in masks and costumes, making even familiar people look – and smell, different. This can be both disconcerting and stressful for greyhounds. Some hounds may be less anxious if they are in their own bed in their usual place in the lounge, ( or on the sofa), with you nearby, to offer cuddles and reassurance.

Paddy says: I am crate trained but now prefer to sleep in my own comfortable bed, next to hoomum. I like cuddles on the sofa too!

3. Use puzzles, games or toys to distract your greyhound from Halloween events

Using puzzles and familiar toys may help to distract your hound during Halloween celebrations. An ostrich bone may be a welcome distraction and may also amuse your dog for a large part of the evening while the Halloween celebrations are ongoing– and will also help plaque removal!

Paddy says: I love an ostrich bone! It keeps me occupied for hours! You can find my favourite bone here: https://amzn.to/3F7SHAd

4. Let your hound know it’s you behind the costume

Your greyhound may be frightened seeing you dressed up in a costume at Halloween. Please bear this in mind, particularly if you have a timid hound. It may be best for them not to see you in your costume, complete with mask, to avoid any undue stress. Dogs rely on reading facial expressions and the use of masks will prevent your hound from deciphering them. It may be helpful to dress in your costume, whilst your greyhound is watching; this way they will know it’s you and may help prevent undue fear and stress.

5. Choose the Right Costume For Your Hound

Whilst some greyhounds may not care about being dressed in a costume, others may dislike it and react negatively. If you choose to dress your hound for Halloween, it’s worth considering any potential risks. Some costumes can interfere with your hounds’ vision, whilst others may have small accessories that may present themselves as choking hazards. It may be helpful to supervise your hound when dressed in their Halloween costume to minimise risks.

Paddy says: I don't care about being dressed up. I stand still for hoomum while she puts on costumes. I sometimes get too warm in the house and need to get my costume removed after a short while.

6. Keep Chocolate Out of Reach

Halloween treats might be tempting, but chocolate ingestion by greyhounds, can result in illness and possible death. It is worth considering where chocolate will be kept, preferably up high and out of reach of your beloved greyhound. All household members, including children, should be aware that chocolate can be dangerous for dogs. It is also worth reminding extended family members and friends who may be visiting during Halloween.

Why is chocolate toxic to greyhounds?

Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine which is difficult to metabolise by dogs. There are different levels of theobromine depending on the chocolate, with darker chocolate being the most toxic. Your greyhound’s presentation following chocolate ingestion will depend on the amount and type of chocolate eaten and the weight of your hound.

What are the signs of chocolate poisoning in greyhounds?

The most common signs of chocolate poisoning in greyhounds include the following:

* Increased salivation

* Increased thirst

* Increased urination

* Restlessness

* Agitation

* Diarrhoea

* Vomiting

* Increased heart rate

* Muscle tremors

* Seizures

* Irritability

Symptoms of chocolate poisoning usually present within 2 – 4 hours of ingestion, however it is possible that they can take up to 12 hours to appear, so it’s best not to delay contacting the vet.

What should you do if your greyhound eats chocolate?

If you suspect, your hound has eaten chocolate, don’t wait until he/ she shows symptoms, but contact your vet immediately for advice. The vet will wish to know the amount of chocolate eaten, the type of chocolate and what time you think your greyhound has eaten it. The vet will also want to know the weight of your hound.

7. Do not leave sweets lying about within reach of your greyhound

Sweets eaten in larger quantities by your greyhound, can cause an upset stomach, sickness and diarrhoea. In some cases, this can lead to organ failure. Xylitol, an artificial sweetener, found in sugar free chewing gum, sugar free sweets and drinks and some peanut butters, can be very poisonous to greyhounds and can damage the stomach or pancreas. If you suspect your hound has eaten xylitol, you should contact the vet immediately. Symptoms of xylitol poisoning can appear within 10 minutes and begin with vomiting, progressing to collapse and seizures associated with liver failure.

What are the signs of xylitol poisoning?

The initial symptoms are related to a reduction in blood sugar which can include the following:

* Weakness

* Vomiting

* Difficulty walking or standing

* Muscle tremors

* Seizures

8. Use Pet-Friendly Decorations

When decorating your home, choose pet-friendly decorations that won't harm your greyhound. Use candles or open flames with caution. Greyhounds don’t pay attention to hazards -especially if they are playing or having zoomies! Be aware of decorations with small, chewable parts that your curious greyhound may try to ingest. Opt for non-toxic and pet-safe decorations to prevent any accidents or injuries.

Whilst pumpkins, including seeds, are safe for your dog to eat, be mindful of your hound eating pumpkin in larger quantities as this can lead to stomach upset. Also, the rind can be a choking hazard and can cause blockages. Preservatives added to pumpkins to delay rotting, such as bleach, ammonia or hair spray, can cause damage to your greyhound if ingested, so it may be best to keep your pumpkin preservative free.

Be careful when using small battery-operated lights, as these can be harmful to your hound if chewed or ingested. If your greyhound chews or eats a battery, contact your vet immediately. Burns to the mouth or digestive tract can occur within 1- 2 hours of your hound eating a battery. Do not induce vomiting as the battery can cause further harm by obstructing the airway or causing corrosion to the oesophagus.

9. Keep all candles and candlelit carved pumpkins out of the way

A knocked over candle may cause your greyhound to become burnt or could start a house fire. Place any lit items on surfaces that are not likely to be reached or jolted by your hound.

Candles can be toxic to greyhounds and, if ingested, can cause stomach upset or, even worse, blockage, so it’s best to keep all candles out of reach of your hound. 10. Be aware of choking hazards

Sweetie wrappers, lollipops and lollipop sticks, or even small parts from Halloween costumes or decorations can cause a blockage if ingested. This can be very dangerous and may require surgery. Signs of a blockage can include your greyhound being off their food, being sick, tired or having difficulty pooping.

11. Do not take your greyhound trick or treating

It’s best to keep your greyhound indoors during guising / trick-or-treating hours to prevent them from getting spooked and frightened. If you do venture out with your dog on Halloween, always keep them on a lead and offer plenty reassurance.

12. Avoid leaving your greyhound home alone on Halloween night.

It is not recommended to leave your hound home alone on Halloween. Whilst you could close all the curtains, to prevent your hound seeing people passing by that are wearing masks and costumes, your greyhound will sense people moving about outside and there may well be increased noise ( and scary ones too!). In addition to this, repeated door bell ringing may upset your hound and cause distress.

Paddy says: By following these tips, you can ensure that your greyhound has a safe and enjoyable Halloween. Remember, their well-being should always be a priority. With a little creativity and thoughtfulness, you can make this festive season a delightful experience for both you and your beloved greyhound. Have a Greyt Halloween!