Spooky season is here! Whether you’re picking out your Halloween decorations or stocking up on candy for trick-or-treaters, don’t forget about your dog. Keep reading to find out how to help keep your pup safe and comfortable, so they’re ready for all the excitement this time of year brings!
In this article, we help answer:
Before we get into how to celebrate this spooktacular day with your dog, it is important to remember that some pups can be a bit more sensitive to the new sights and sounds around them on Halloween. From constant doorbell rings by trick-or-treaters to people in costumes to flashing lights and spooky music, they may feel anxious and/or confused from the sensory overload and change in their routine.
While every dog is different, it is always best to keep an eye on their behavior and look for any signs of stress, which can include excessive whining and barking, restlessness, pulled back ears, a low or tucked tail, or clingy behavior.
WHAT’S SAFE & UNSAFE FOR MY DOG TO EAT DURING HALLOWEEN?
Chocolate and candy are often synonymous with Halloween for humans, but they are some of the biggest hazards for dogs to consume.
The following are types of food that are dangerous for dogs to eat that you may find around Halloween:
- Chocolate: Make sure to keep your candy bowl or trick-or-treat bag away from your pup, as chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine that are toxic for dogs.
- Xylitol: This is a sugar substitute often found in sugar-free candies or baked goods. Small amounts can be life-threatening to dogs.
- Raisins: Contain substances that can cause kidney failure
- Candy corn (and other candies): Have high sugar content, which can disrupt a dog’s digestive track
Food that you can prepare for your pup can include:
- Homemade pumpkin treats: Mix plain canned pumpkin with some of your pup’s favorite foods like xylitol-free peanut butter, oats, banana, etc. You can also freeze plain pureed pumpkin in pumpkin-shaped molds for a festive touch, or make a dog-friendly pumpkin spice latte.
- Carrots and apples: Carrots and apples (without the seeds) are on-theme, crunchy, and healthy snacks.
- Treats from dog-safe bakeries or pre-packaged dog treats: Fill your pup’s trick-or-treat bag with some of their favorites.
Remember to always consult your vet before introducing any food to your dog’s diet.
IS HALLOWEEN DÉCOR A HAZARD TO DOGS?
It can be! Decorating for Halloween can be a fun activity but be mindful of what’s around your dog while preparing for the occasion. For example, jack-o’-lanterns with candles can be hazardous, especially with wagging tails nearby (consider using LED candles as a safer alternative). Additionally, be cautious with electric decorations that use cords, as they can be easily chewed or pose a tripping hazard. Small plastic decorations may also be tempting for dogs to chew on and could be swallowed.
To keep your pup safe, it’s best to place decorations out of their reach and supervise them when they are around the décor.
DOG-SAFE HALLOWEEN COSTUME IDEAS
You can’t get much cuter than a dog in a Halloween costume! However, their comfort and safety must come first. Before putting any costume on them, be sure to:
- Check the fit so pups can freely move and won’t have any restrictions to their breathing, vision, hearing, and potty needs.
- Look for potential choking hazards, such as buttons or other small parts
- Keep the material light so they won’t overheat
Check out some fun doggie Halloween costume ideas here. Alternatively, try a festive bandana instead.
SHOULD DOGS GO TRICK-OR-TREATING?
As much as you may want to include your dog in the fun, trick-or-treating on Halloween night may not be the best option. The crowds, excited children running around, and strangers approaching your pup can all create stress or trigger reactive behavior.
Keeping your dog indoors can be the safer choice. It reduces the risk of anxiety from loud noises, prevents accidental exposure to dropped candy, and helps your pup stay calm and comfortable while the festivities unfold outside.
If you have no other choice but to bring your dog out on Halloween, be sure to keep them on a secure leash, put them in reflective gear, ensure they are wearing proper ID tags or have a registered microchip, and avoid crowded areas.
WAYS TO KEEP YOUR DOG CALM DURING HALLOWEEN
To keep your dog cool, calm, and collected while all the spooky festivities are underway, there are some steps you can implement before and during Halloween night, including:
- Days before the big night, encourage your pup to explore the neighborhood décor and let your dog stop and sniff the new sights and smells.
- Before the festivities, take them on a walk and/or add some exercise earlier in the day so they can feel calmer when night rolls around.
- Create a secure area with familiar items, such as their bed/crate, blankets, toys, etc.
- Provide toys that can keep them occupied, such as a treat puzzle or snuffle mat
- Try to maintain as much of their routine as you can to create some normalcy
- Mask the noise of the doorbell or the loud “trick or treat” by playing classical music (which has been found to keep dogs calm) or turning on the TV in their space.
BRING YOUR DOG TO DOGTOPIA ON HALLOWEEN
Halloween can be a busy time! Whether you’re taking your family out for trick-or-treating or expect to have trick-or-treaters at your door, bringing your dog to Dogtopia can be a great option.
A day of daycare can allow your pup to have fun playing, learning, exercising, and socializing with other like-minded pups so they can easily drift off to dreamland when they get home (something we call the “Dogtopia Daze”). Alternatively, you can choose an overnight boarding stay, where your dog can enjoy all our daycare activities before resting comfortably among friends, giving you peace of mind knowing they are well cared for.
Contact your local Dogtopia to see all the Halloween festivities they’ve got planned and to book their visit today!
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