Halloween has something for everyone. Full of decorations, costumes, candy, and scary twists, it’s a festive evening for humans of all ages. But what’s fun for us can be confusing – and even dangerous – for our pets. Here are some tips to keep your canine companions safe and sound on the spookiest night of the year.
Halloween Safety Tips for Dogs
Keep Your Dog Indoors to Prevent Fright and Flight
Dogs have an instinct to protect their home and family from strangers – and Halloween means no shortage of strangers approaching the house!
Bring your dog inside for the evening to prevent your dog from fleeing the backyard, even if it’s fenced.
Calm and Restrain Your Dog During Halloween Chaos
Halloween can be overwhelming for dogs. We understand the costumes, doorbell rings, and shouts of “Trick or treat!”, but our pets don’t. The best way to reassure your dog is to stay calm and act normally—too much attention can actually make them more anxious.
If your dog is nervous or overexcited from the frequent visitors, keep them in a separate room away from the front door to prevent anxiety, aggression, or escapes.
Keep Candy Away from Dogs: Treats Are for Kids, Not Canines
Halloween candy, especially those containing chocolate or artificial sweeteners like xylitol, is toxic to dogs. Reactions range from vomiting and diarrhea to death.
Keep all candy – even empty wrappers – somewhere safe and inaccessible to your dog.
Watch Out for Hazardous Halloween Decorations
Glowing Jack-o’-lanterns are a Halloween classic, but open flames and wagging tails don’t mix.
To keep your dog and home safe, place lit decorations out of reach or opt for battery-powered candles instead.
Make Sure Costumes Are Safe and Comfortable for Your Dog
While some dogs enjoy wearing a costume, many don’t. Before Halloween, try putting an outfit on your dog to see how they react—if they seem uncomfortable or resist, skip the costume.
To prevent confusion or fear, avoid wearing masks around your dog and let them sniff any costumes before you put them on.
Should You Bring Your Dog Trick-or-Treating? Think Twice
Trick-or-treating with our furry friends may sound like a great idea, but sudden scares, strange costumes, and other human Halloween fun could be stressful and instill an ongoing fear of strangers.
If you do take your dog with you, make sure their ID tags are securely attached to their collar, keep a firm grip on their leash, and do not let strangers in costume approach your dog without your consent.
Train Your Dog for a Stress-Free Halloween Night
Halloween is a special night to celebrate the creepy, crawly, and spooky. With a little preparation, you can help your dog stay calm, safe, and happy during Halloween festivities.
If your dog struggles with anxiety, excitement, or unpredictable behavior, a Bark Busters trainer can work with you to teach them how to stay relaxed and well-behaved, so everyone can enjoy a fun and stress-free Halloween together.
