This terrific idea was posted today on the GH-List by Jeanni Kistler-Davis of DragonflyteCreations:
If you have a storm door that has a removable screen/window, take out the screen/window and when the kids ring the bell, you only have to open the inside door. With the storm door closed and locked you can reach right out with the candy and the dogs can’t get out!
We like this idea because of course you don’t want to leave a dog out in the yard on Halloween evening, but the constant ringing of the doorbell can be stressful for an animal.This way, the dog can help to greet visitors, calming his worries by letting him know what’s going on, without the risk of escape through an open door. And any little trick-or-treaters who are nervous of dogs will be reassured by the half-door that stays closed between them!
And, while we’re thinking about pet welfare on Halloween…
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has drawn up a list of their top Halloween safety tips for pet owners, including a reminder that many common holiday objects can be harmful to cats and dogs. Watch out in particular for:
- chocolate — as little as two snack-sized chocolate bars (or even 4 ounces of hot chocolate powder) can be poisonous to a small dog!
- candies and gum that contain large amounts of the sweetener xylitol;
- aluminum foil and cellophane candy wrappers, which can cause intestinal blockages;
- liquid potpourri;
- holiday decorations, particularly those made of glass or plastic — the animals will find decorations very interesting just because they aren’t used to seeing them around every day, and may be tempted to chew;
- electrical cords
Details are available on the ASPCA Poison Control Center website. Accidents can happen, however, no matter how careful we are — so do keep your veterinarian’s emergency telephone in a prominent place and make sure that everyone in the family knows where to find it.
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