Halloween is an exciting time for the whole family, but it can come with its own dangers and unexpected stress for your dog.
We've put together a list of top tips on how to keep your dog safe this Halloween whilst still keeping the ghostly fun alive. Pun intended.
Whether your dog has a nervous disposition or they are likely to eat anything that can fall to the floor, we’ve put together a list of common pitfalls on that first Halloween, and how to have the best possible night.
How to keep your dog safe on Halloween
If you plan on doing nothing else this Halloween but open the door and give treats to the neighbourhood kids, at a bare minimum, bear these top tips to keep your dog safe on Halloween.
Now please remember that these are just warnings and worst-case scenarios. We don’t want you to stay indoors trembling at all the dangers of Halloween, but a little extra care is needed to keep your pup safe.
1. Don’t poison your dog with chocolates, nuts, and raisins
We know. It’s an obvious one. And whilst most people are aware that chocolate is toxic for your pup, did you know that there’s a whole list of common household foods that can poison your dog?
Halloween is one of those times when your house is likely to be filled to the brim with food that could harm your pooch. Raisins are just grapes in disguise and cashews, almonds and walnuts can cause pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) if eaten in large amounts.
We are not saying to become the house that gives out the ‘healthy’ apple treats, but keep the chocolate stash on a shelf away from sneaky paws that could easily reach the kitchen counter.
2. Don’t make your dog sick with candy and sweets
Hey, remember how we mentioned pancreatitis? It’s often caused when dogs eat too much high fat and sugary food, which leads to vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, and (in the very worst cases) go into organ failure.
Guess what’s high in fats and sugars? But even if your pooch gets his nose full into the Haribo, that’s not even the worse worry. Sugar-free sweets contain an artificial sweetener called xylitol which can cause liver failure in dogs.
Maybe it’s time to get on that Vegan Raw Diet after all.
3. Be careful when Trick o’ Treaters come knocking
Maybe your dog is used to visitors, maybe they’re as calm as a Zen Buddhist monk. You might even be thinking that your friendliest of pooches will love nothing more than greeting people dressed in weird and wonderful ways.
But you know what even the most laid-back dog loves? Being outdoors.
And you know what happens when you open the door 15 times in a night? Your little monkey gets 15 chances to run out of the door and run after all the little people dressed in a weird and wonderful way.
Keep them safely in the living room or bedroom at peak trick o’treating time and make sure their pet microchip is up to date, just in case.
4. Don’t leave them outside on their own
We love that you are listening to our advice. After all, if dogs love being outside, and it’s a warm enough night, let them chill in the garden for a couple of hours. Let the craziness of neighbourhood Halloween celebrations wash away in the background for them.
Two problems with that:
- Fireworks: People love them and start getting them out around Halloween in preparation for the winter festivals to come.
- Dog thefts: It’s a small chance, but more people around, means more opportunity. Someone sees your cute French Bulldog sitting by the side gate, it’s small work to break through when you are distracted.
Maybe on this night, let them chill in their den inside.
5. Beware of lit pumpkins and children when out for a walk
The streets are busier. There are bright lights. Sudden noise as decorations jump out. And children, children everywhere.
You know how reactive your dog is to small children, so you know how they will behave. Bear in mind that costumes and dress-up can add a confusing element to a dog that particularly likes routine, hates the unfamiliar, or is feeling overloaded by all the noise and lights.
But more likely, the biggest danger for your dog on Halloween is going to be the lit pumpkins or even any fire pits at parties. Even a pumpkin can get hot enough to burn curious little noses.
Keep them on a tight leash, watch your dog’s behaviours closely, and walk away from the noise, people, and chaos if it gets too much.
How to keep your dog happy on Halloween
Now you know how to keep them safe, the next question is how to keep them happy. Sure you could lock them in the bedroom all day with water and food, with occasional outdoor pee, but that will make them miserable.
So here’s some top tips if you have a reactive or low confidence dog who needs a little extra TLC.
1. Walk your dog early in the day
If your dog gets uncomfortable with crowds, children, or strange noises… Taking them out for a late-night walk on Halloween is like taking them out in the middle of the D-Day.
You can’t stop people celebrating Halloween, but you can wake up early and take your dog for a long walk first thing in the morning, or a long lunchtime stroll.
Changing the routine for one day won’t be a problem.
2. Consider leaving the candy in a bowl outside
Many of us can expect a knock on the door from the Amazon delivery man once a day, maybe a surprise visit from mum to check on us because even at our age we need to make more friends (apparently).
Case in point, your dog is used to only the occasional visitor. This means he might get a little excited, loud, nervous, or all three when the doorbell rings 20 times in a night.
Consider how your dog reacts to the postman. If it’s going to be high stress, just avoid the situation completely. Put some candy in a bowl outside, and ask people to help themselves.
You don’t have to be the neighbourhood grouch to keep your puppy happy, but it’s also ok to say ‘no knocking here please’.
3. Tonight is not a good night for first-time dog costumes
What?! It’s Halloween! Tonight is the perfect night for funny dog Halloween costumes.
Sure. If you are in the habit of putting a cute little outfit on your dog with some regularity, a Halloween costume can melt Instagram hearts everywhere.
However, if you’ve never made your dog wear even so much as a waterproof dog coat before, chances are he or she will not react well to a full costume with appendages and extra legs.
Most dogs need a little time and training to even just allow something to go over their heads. If you want them to get them to wear it, start with sometime simple. Like a costume that is no more than a harness, or just a simple coat.
Otherwise, your dog will spend the rest of the night trying to chew the spider legs off their back and the antennas off their head.
4. Create a safe space with chews and music
What if you could make it so your precious pooch doesn’t even realise that tonight is anything other than a random Saturday?
Maybe you need to take the children out trick o’treating, maybe there’s a Halloween party you’d like to go to. There is a very simple setup you can create to ensure your dog has a good time, with or without you in the same room.
- Create a safe den under the table, or buy a cave dog bed. Make it comfortable and safe.
- Put the radio or TV on something loud but chilled. Think Classic FM or the Morning Show.
- Give them a brand new long-lasting chew to help them relax. It’s new. It’s got to be chewed and as a bonus, it’s a calming activity.
- Do point 2 of this list.
Leave a note outside of the door to say ‘Please don’t come knocking’ and you can go out or stay in, with few worries.
5. Consider talking to your Vet or dog behaviourist
Generally, unless your dog is incredibly reactive, most of the above advice will keep your dog happy and safe on Halloween. Some dogs may even enjoy going out for a walk with everyone around.
But some don’t, and that’s ok too. Maybe your puppy gets so nervous that he gets destructive with every ring of the doorbell and every child that walks by.
In which case it may be worth talking to your vet to get something to calm them down, maybe even have a look at the pros and cons of CBD oil for dogs.
This is obviously very much a last resort, but you know your dog better than anyone. If they need extra help, don’t be ashamed to ask for professional advice. Better than forcing them to suffer.
