Halloween is a great time to invite friends and family to your house for fall fun. It’s also fun to participate in annual trick-or-treating events and hand out treats to costumed visitors.
Families across North Texas, from Dallas to Denton, Northlake, Frisco, and Lewisville, enjoy Halloween celebrations every year. If you have a pet dog, it’s important to keep both guests and your dog safe during Halloween events. Keep the following tips in mind when planning your holiday events.
Dog Owner Liability Under Texas Law: What Dallas & Denton Families Should Know
A friend, family member, neighbor, or a stranger who is a dog owner can also be held liable for negligence if they failed to use reasonable care to prevent harm resulting in a serious bite or other bodily injury. To show negligence, an injured person must show that the owner’s dog caused harm because the owner was irresponsible in handling or restraining the dog. If you are a dog bite incident victim, it’s best to work with a Dallas County dog bite lawyer to determine the best treatment plan and seek justice for your injuries.
Under Texas law, a dog’s owner may be held liable if the dog bites someone or causes injuries. A dog owner may be held liable if they know or should have known that the dog could be dangerous. For instance, if a dog has bitten someone before, the pet owner can be held liable if the dog bites another person again. If you are a dog owner, you hold a responsibility in watching and handling your dog at home, in the park, and at local Halloween events.
How to Keep Guests Safe from Dog Bites During Halloween in Denton & Dallas
Whether it’s a Halloween party, visiting trick-or-treaters, or both, it’s wise to separate your dog from visitors. Even a dog who knows your visitors may feel overwhelmed or stressed, especially when visitors arrive in costume or the house is full of decorations and other unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells.
Some canine “stress signals,” such as smiling or panting, can be misinterpreted as signs of happiness. In fact, they are signs that the dog is uncomfortable in the current situation. A stressed dog is more likely to lash out, which can result in an injury.
Some helpful guest safety tips to keep in mind are:
- To increase your dog’s comfort levels and reduce the risk of an injury, separate your dog from the Halloween festivities. Choose a quiet room in the house. Surround your dog with familiar sights, smells, and objects, like their favorite bed and toys. Close the door, and post a sign warning that the door should not be opened.
- Inviting guests who know your dog or just can’t bear the thought of separating your dog from the party? Consider keeping your dog leashed or crated. A leash allows you to better control your dog, while the crate provides a built-in “buffer zone” that can help dogs feel safe while still observing the festivities. Both tools can help you prevent injuries or demonstrate that you took reasonable steps to prevent harm.
- Inform guests about having a dog. Whether you opt to tuck your dog away or include them in the party, tell guests about your dog in advance. This allows your guests to be more mindful of their surroundings.
A dog’s natural instinct is to protect itself, its home, and its human from strangers. People showing up at your doorstep in costumes are instinctively considered “strangers” to your dog, even if your dog has met them before. Reduce the risk of your dog acting defensively by creating a safe space for your dog during a Halloween event this year.
Halloween Pet Safety: Protecting Your Dog in Dallas & Denton
Keeping your dog separated from guests or contained behind a crate or puppy gate can benefit your dog as well:
- Your dog can feel less stressed with a designated space that is “theirs.” Blocking off a room with a doggie gate or keeping them in one room with the door closed can be helpful. Ensure they have access to adequate water, food, and dog toys. If you have a Ring camera or another webcam, you can monitor your dog in real-time by checking the camera on your phone.
- Your dog won’t get into chocolate or other treats that could cause them serious harm or gastrointestinal distress. Dogs can become curious and end up getting into things they are not supposed to, such as groceries, pantries, or other guests’ belongings.
- Your dog is less likely to leave the house. During events like the Fourth of July or Halloween, it is common for dogs to escape and wander the local neighborhood, often unsupervised during both day and night.
- If you plan to put a costume on your dog, make sure the costume fits properly and is comfortable. Avoid costumes with pieces that can be easily chewed off; your dog, a child, or another animal might remove these and try to eat them, which can cause choking. Make sure the costume doesn’t hinder your dog’s ability to see, hear, breathe, eat, or move.
Always make sure your pet wears their costume several times before Halloween, so they get used to wearing it. If you notice any signs of discomfort in your pet, consider choosing a different costume or opting for no outfit. A costume that is uncomfortable or restricts sight, hearing, or movement can cause a dog additional stress, increasing the risks that a dog will bite or lash out if startled.
What To Do After a Dog Bite Injury in Dallas or Denton, Texas
If you or a loved one suffer a dog bite during Halloween or any other event, speak to an experienced Dallas and Denton dog bite lawyer today. The team at Chandler Ross PLLC can help. We have proudly served the Denton, Dallas, and nearby North Texas communities, including Plano, Lewisville, and Frisco, for years. With over 95 5-Star Google Reviews, our community trusts us to fight for justice when it matters most. Give us a call today or start an online chat to get started!
