There are scary decorations up, kids dressed in strange costumes knocking on the door and plenty of tempting treats lying around- Halloween must be such a confusing time for our dogs! Here’s our do’s and don’ts for a happy dog this spooky season.
Halloween Do’s For Dogs
- Leave your dog at home if you’re going out trick or treating.
- Keep them away from Halloween treats and sweets. Chocolate and sweets can be toxic to dogs.
- Save your pumpkins. The flesh makes a tasty healthy treat for your dog once cooked.
- Give your dog something to do to keep them occupied and help them relax, such as a stuffed kong or snuffle mat.
- Watch out for small decorations, lit candles and battery operated tea lights as these can easily picked up and chewed and can be a choking hazard.
- Walk your dog at a different time if you usually take them out in the evening.
- Keep an eye on your dog’s body language to make sure they’re feeling safe. Have a read of our dog body language blog post here.
- Print off our no trick or treaters sign below and pop it on your front door for the night.
Halloween Don’ts For Dogs
- Don’t dress your dog up! I know I’m a killjoy, but it’s very unlikely that your dog actually enjoys being dressed up. If you really can’t resist, go for a bandana that can be tucked into their collar.
- Scare your dog unnecessarily. Dogs have no concept of Halloween and are unlikely to be amused by your best witch cackle!
- Don’t let your dog come to the door with you if you do get trick or treaters. They could easily be frightened and attempt to bolt out the door. Make sure your dog is wearing their id tag and their microchip details are up to date, just in case.
- Don’t force your dog to greet visitors dressed up, even if they know them. They may not recognise them and act unpredictably out of fear.
Enjoy the spooky season
With all that being said, there’s still plenty of fun to be had with your dog around Halloween. Many pumpkin picking patches allow dogs on lead and this can be a lovely day out if you’ve got a confident, sociable dog. It’s worth baring in mind too that our dogs have absolutely no concept of Halloween so won’t be upset if they’re left out of spooky fun. Our boy Duke will be staying home with a tasty chew along with Dan or I whilst the other takes the kids out trick or treating. Everyone’s happiest that way! How are you celebrating Halloween with your dog?
What next?
- Looking for more help with your reactive dog? Contact us to arrange in person or online training.
- Read more blog posts here.
- Perfect Recall: Teaching your dog to come back when called every time. Our guide is free to download when you join our email list- sign up here.