Boo bags are a fun way to share the Halloween spirit and a seasonal twist on gift ideas for dogs. Discover BULLYMAKE’s canine-friendly take on this tradition.
According to the Pet Poison Helpline, calls about dogs eating chocolate rose 209% during Halloween week 2010 compared with a typical week. Vetster reported that nearly 80% of dogs that ate a potentially hazardous substance on Halloween had eaten chocolate, but the delicious human treat isn’t the only culprit. Dogs also get into sugar-free candy, which can contain xylitol, a sweetener that is toxic to them, as well as candy wrappers, decorations and costume pieces.
Pets are part of our families, and we want them to be part of our celebrations in the safest way possible. BULLYMAKE’s monthly subscription boxes pair toys designed for aggressive chewers with treats made in the USA, and the same approach works for a homemade Halloween boo box. Putting together a boo box or bag with well-chosen items can help keep your dog from getting too interested in the bowl of chocolate or the decorative spider on the front steps.
A boo box or boo bag is a Halloween-themed collection of small gifts and treats. Traditionally, people put together bags of fun, seasonal stuff and leave them anonymously for a neighbor with a note that says, “You’ve been booed.” The idea is that the recipient passes on the fun by creating a bag for someone else.
Over time, the concept has expanded into boo baskets for kids, friends, partners and pets. A boo box for your dog is filled with dog-safe toys and treats in place of candy. It gives your dog a way to celebrate with the rest of the family, and it gives you a way to redirect their attention away from the candy bowl, wrappers and decorations that pile up around Halloween.
Putting together a boo box for your dog can be as much fun for you as it is for them.
Almost any container works, as long as it’s sturdy and free of small parts your dog could chew off. Ideas include:
Keep tissue paper, ribbon, glitter and plastic grass to a minimum or remove them before your dog digs in. Many dogs will shred the packaging along with everything else, so choose a container you don’t mind seeing chewed and keep play safe and supervised while your dog explores it.
Enrichment toys give your dog something to do with their mouth, nose and paws, keeping them busy during the most hectic parts of Halloween.
Look for toys that match how your dog plays. Nylon may suit dogs with strong teeth, while durable rubber might be a better fit for senior dogs or those with ongoing dental issues. Dogs who like to carry and cuddle their toys may prefer something soft.
Some options to consider:
You can also plan for a Halloween lick mat. Consider adding a themed mat to your dog’s boo bag and spreading it with a thin layer of plain pumpkin puree (not pie filling) or plain yogurt. The right lick mat gives your dog a slow, focused activity. Since most lick mats are made of silicone or soft rubber, you’ll want to pick up the mat as soon as your dog finishes licking, especially if they’re a power chewer.
Treats are the centerpiece of most boo boxes, so include some delicious edibles for your pup, too. Look for dog treats with short ingredient lists and avoid anything toxic to dogs, such as xylitol, chocolate, raisins or grapes.
If your dog has food allergies or sensitivities, check the protein sources before you buy treats. Holiday treats are extras, so keep portions small and count them toward your dog’s daily food intake to avoid an upset stomach.
Options to consider:
You can also make homemade treats for your dog’s boo box. Consider whipping up a batch of Strawberry Ghost Dog Treats or Witch’s Potion Dog Treats if you want to control the ingredients or have a dog with especially complex allergies.
Timing can make a boo box more useful. Giving it to your dog shortly before trick-or-treating begins means they’ll have new toys and treats to focus on when the doorbell starts ringing. A new chew or a treat-stuffed toy can hold their attention in a quiet room away from the front door while you hand out candy.
If your dog gets overexcited by new things, consider handing out the items one at a time throughout the evening. Offer a treat-dispensing toy when the first trick-or-treaters arrive, and then bring out a new chew as things wind down. Spreading out the surprises stretches the fun and keeps your dog focused on their own goodies.
For pet parents who would rather skip the shopping, a BULLYMAKE box arrives ready to go. Each monthly box includes two or three toys and three treats made in the USA, built around a new theme each month. October’s theme is Halloween. Boxes are tailored to your dog’s chew strength.
BULLYMAKE offers subscription plans of one, three, six or 12 months. A one-month plan is a simple way to get a Halloween delivery without committing to a longer plan. Subscription plans renew automatically. One-month plans can be canceled at any time, and multi-month plans become eligible for cancellation once the initial plan commitment is fulfilled. You can manage or cancel your subscription through your account or by contacting BULLYMAKE’s customer care team by email or live chat.
