Dogs and Halloween: How to Celebrate Safely With Your Furry Friend

Halloween is the time for spooky fun, wearing fun costumes, and tricking & treating. However, it has historical roots, stemming largely from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, wherein this date marked the end of summer and the harvest. This specific night was believed to be when the boundary between the living and the dead was thinnest, inspiring traditions like dressing up to avoid wandering spirits.

As you prepare for ghosts, goblins, and excited trick-or-treaters, remember your furry family member. Dogs and Halloween can be a fantastic combination, but it also presents unique challenges and potential hazards. With a little planning, you can ensure your canine companion enjoys a safe, stress-free, and even festive holiday! 

Costume Capers: Dressing Up Your Dog

One of the most fun aspects of combining dogs and Halloween is the adorable little outfits they wear. However, remember that safety and comfort are the number one priorities. 

Not all dogs love wearing clothes, and if yours doesn’t, do not force them. If your dog looks stressed, stiff, or tries to repeatedly remove the costume, that’s your cue to get rid of it. Sometimes, less is more, and a simple bandana or Halloween-themed collar would do.
One of the most fun aspects of dogs and Halloween is seeing them in adorable outfits! But remember, comfort and safety come first. 

Also, avoid costumes with small, dangling parts that could be chewed off and swallowed, posing a choking hazard. Make sure there are no elastic bands that could cut off circulation or rub uncomfortably. Fabric should be breathable and non-irritating. 

Do A Trial Run

The smart thing to do here is to do a test run a few days before Halloween so your dog becomes comfortable with the outfit. Put the costume on for short periods, praise them, and give treats, as this will positively reinforce “costume-wearing” behavior and give you time to spot if there are any issues with the outfit.

Needless to say, if your dog seems to not like the outfit, best remove it. The natural beauty of a pup like Cocker Spaniel, Miniature Goldendoodle, or Boston Terrier is enough in itself.

Photo Ops!

If your dog’s costume is super adorable, expect a lot of pictures. However, remember not to force your dog into taking pictures and avoid using flash too much.

Trick-or-Treating: Managing the Doorbell Dilemma

Trick-or-treating is an integral part of Halloween. It is a super-fun activity for kids and a core memory for many of us. With that said, as a dog owner, we can predict that the constant knocking or ringing of the doorbell, paired with the parade of strange-looking humans, can stress out the pup quite a bit. This is often the biggest challenge when it comes to dogs and Halloween.

Creating a Safe Haven

The best way to deal with trick-or-treaters is to create a secure, calm, and familiar place for your dog to retreat to, similar to the way we can confide in our bedrooms when people we wish not to interact with show up at our places. If you have a tiny dog like the Teacup Poodle, Bichon Frise, or Boston Terrier, they won’t even require a ton of space.

If your dog is super social and enjoys meeting new people, you can allow them to greet the trick-or-treaters under supervision.

Watch Out for Escapes!

With the front door opening and closing frequently, the risk of your dog slipping out is high. Always ensure they are microchipped and wearing current ID tags, just in case. Double-check that their safe zone is truly escape-proof before the trick-or-treating rush begins. Enrolling in the Puppy Protection Program helps as it involves microchipping your pup, making it possible to locate their location if they do manage to run out.

Spooky Sweets and Decorations: Holiday Hazards

Now, we all know how dangerous chocolate is for dogs, and chocolates are everywhere during Halloween. So, here are some ground rules:

- No human chocolates for dogs. Xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in many sugar-free candies and gums, is also extremely toxic, so avoid feeding them anything that contains it.

- Store all Halloween candy out of reach. Place bowls on high shelves, in secure pantries, or in containers with tight-fitting lids.

- Instead of human sweets, have some special dog treats on hand! You can give these to your dog as a distraction or even offer small, pre-packaged bags of dog treats to older, responsible trick-or-treaters to give to their own pets (with permission, of course!). Even better is to make Healthy Homemade Christmas Dog Treats You Can Bake at Home

Decorating Dangers

Decorations are also dangerous for dogs. Lit candles, especially those inside pumpkins, are a fire hazard and can cause serious burns if your dog gets too close or accidentally knocks them over. Opt instead for LEDs. Best keep a Dog Owner’s Guide to Home Fire Safety handy.

Also, ensure no decorations are small enough that your pup might choke on them, and make sure all outdoor decorations are securely anchored properly so they don’t fall on your dog or get carried off by the wind.

Conclusion

Halloween is meant to be enjoyed with all members of your family, which includes your pup. Naturally, it is a little difficult to convey protocols to a dog, so just be mindful. Keep the comfort level high and stressors low for your pup and you can enjoy "Howl-O-Ween” together.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. My dog gets very anxious with loud noises and strangers. Should I give them a sedative for Halloween?

Never administer any medication, including sedatives, without consulting your veterinarian first. Your vet can recommend safe, appropriate options for anxiety if needed, or suggest other calming strategies like pheromone diffusers or anxiety wraps.

2. What should I do if my dog accidentally eats some Halloween candy?

If your dog consumes any amount of chocolate or candy containing xylitol, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control hotline immediately. Have information ready about your dog's weight, the type of candy, and how much they ate.

3. My dog loves to "help" with decorations. How can I include them safely?

You can give your dog their own Halloween-themed chew toy or puzzle feeder to occupy them while you decorate. Let them "inspect" safe, non-toxic decorations before you put them up, praising calm behavior. Consider having them wear a fun bandana while you work, making them part of the team without risking any hazards.