HOST A HALLOWEEN PAWTY FOR YOUR PUPS!

Host a Halloween Pawty

for your pups!

By Sheryl Green

Halloween can be a fun holiday for humans of every age… but have you ever considered focusing on your furry friends during the spookiest day of the year? A well-planned Halloween Dog Pawty can be a festive occasion for your pup and all their four-legged friends (tripods are always welcome!). As with any dog-friendly activity, you’ll want to focus on creating a safe experience for all the guests. Here’s how to throw the must-attend dog event of 2022.

CHOOSE THE PERFECT LOCATION AND DÉCOR

Dogs are often unpredictable so a controlled location like your home or backyard is ideal. Make sure that entrances are secured and anything you don’t want to be chewed up, peed on, or stolen and buried is out of paw’s reach. When it comes to décor, the higher, the better. Hang decorations from the ceiling or attach them to the walls whenever possible. Anything low and loose may become a snack or a choking hazard. Pumpkins are a fun option but stay away from lit Jack O’ Lanterns.

Fire + happy dog tails = Danger.

CREATE AN APPROPRIATE GUEST LIST

Just like us humans, dogs have their own personalities and their own preferences regarding the company they keep. Make sure that all furry guests are dog-friendly, well-behaved, up-to-date on their vaccines, and fixed. You don’t want your party to turn into ground zero for unwanted litters. Now that, would be scary!

SCHEDULE STIMULATING ACTIVITIES

Three words… doggy costume contest. The humans will love it. The dogs will tolerate it. Encourage guests to select dogsafe costumes (no loose pieces, nothing that limits movement, vision, or hearing ability) and respect if their pet chooses not to be dressed up (Sometimes, “woof” means “no”). Have a set time for costumes so pets don’t have to wear them throughout the entire party.

Also, don’t forget the activities that your pets will love. Consider a Scavenger Hunt where delicious treats are hidden throughout the party to be discovered, or try Bobbing for Bones. All you need is a kiddie pool and a bunch of tennis balls or Kongs stuffed with peanut butter or cheese. Let dogs poke around to find their favorite surprise.

SERVE SOME GOODIES

Treats should be plentiful (though monitored) throughout the course of the party. Make sure they are accessible to humans, but not to the pups. This will limit the chances of doggos getting sick or becoming aggressive. If you want to go all out, bake or order a dog-safe cake for your guests to enjoy. Place plenty of water stations throughout the party and freshen them up every so often to avoid them becoming slobber receptacles.

DON’T FORGET THE PAWRENTS

While dressing up their pups and watching them play is plenty of entertainment for your human guests, you’ll still need to feed them. Keep things simple with Halloween-inspired appetizers or ask everyone to bring a dish to share.

SEND ATTENDEES HOME WITH A DOGGY BAG

There are a number of local pet bakeries in Las Vegas offering wicked-good treats for your favorite fur kids. Shop local and find healthy options for your little Franken-pups. You can ask for prepackaged treat bags or find festive yet inexpensive goody bags at your nearest dollar store.

Throwing a Halloween Pawty for your dog can be a wonderful way to gather friends (both four-legged and two) together to celebrate. Take precautions to keep everyone safe and you’ll be sure to create an event to remember.

Happy Halloween!

Sheryl Green is an author, writing coach, and passionate animal advocate. Find her at www.unleashedcommunications.com

SO REWARDING! Allowing the pets to socialize, live in a home setting, adjust to change in a calm environment. #

FOSTERS NEEDED

OUR RESCUE DOESN’T HAVE A PHYSICAL LOCATION, WE RELY ON FOSTER HOMES TO CARE FOR OUR PETS UNTIL THEY FIND THEIR FOREVER HOMES.