Halloween is a spooky and fun time for humans, but it can be a little overwhelming and even dangerous for our furry friends. Here are some important tips for keeping your dog safe this Halloween, along with a list of fun activities if you’re planning a quiet night at home.
Halloween Safety Tips for Dogs
Avoid Costumes That Cause Discomfort
While dressing up your dog can be adorable, it's important to prioritize their comfort and safety. If you choose to dress your dog in a costume, make sure it fits well, doesn't restrict movement, and doesn't have any small pieces they could chew off and swallow. Always supervise your dog while they’re in costume. And make sure they have time to get used to it before you plan to have them wear it for any length of time.
Bella isn’t a big fan of most costumes, which is why I love using festive collars, leashes, and bandanas instead—they're a fun and comfortable way to get her in the holiday spirit! One year, I even made her a special bandana that doubled as a costume: a red bandana designed to look like a Trader Joe's crew member name tag.
Keep Candy Out of Reach
Many Halloween treats, especially chocolate and sugar-free candies containing xylitol, can be toxic to dogs. Make sure all candy is stored securely where your pup can’t get to it. If you're giving out candy, keep the bowl out of your dog's reach, and clean up any dropped pieces right away.
Secure the Front Door
The constant opening and closing of the door for trick-or-treaters can be stressful for dogs and increase the risk of them escaping. Keep your dog in a separate room or use a baby gate to prevent them from bolting out the door. Make sure their ID tags are up-to-date, just in case they do manage to sneak out.
Get Exercise Early
It's a good idea to get walks in early before all the little ghosts and goblins are out trick or treating. Last year on the morning after halloween I found some candy in the street that was dropped by some trick or treaters, I was thankful I was able to see it and pick it up before any of our neighborhood dogs or other critters got to it, if we walked Halloween night I might not have seen it!
Create a Safe Space if Needed
If your pup is like Bella and prefers not to see costumes, or the excitement of trick-or-treaters and the doorbell is too much make sure and set up a cozy space for them where they can feel safe. You can play calming music or use a white noise machine to drown out some of the sounds and make sure they have some comforting items like their bed or favorite blanket. You can also use a calming supplement to help if needed. Two of my favorites are Lick's Calming Zen and Treatables CBD treats.
Fun Things to Do at Home with Your Dog on Halloween
Dog-Friendly Halloween Movie Marathon
Settle in for a cozy night with a lineup of Halloween-themed movies that both you and your pup can enjoy. Here are some of my favorites:
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It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown: A classic Halloween special that’s perfect for getting into the holiday spirit. It's lighthearted, fun, and suitable for all ages—plus, it features Snoopy! I love all the peanuts movies 💜
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The Nightmare Before Christmas: If you want a movie that combines the spooky feel of Halloween with a hint of the upcoming holiday season, this one's a must-watch. The animation and music are enchanting, making it a great choice for a festive night.
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Beetlejuice: For a touch of quirky and spooky fun, this movie is a great pick. It has that classic Tim Burton style and a playful vibe, perfect for a Halloween night in.
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The Dog Who Saved Halloween (available on Peacock): This adorable-sounding film is about a dog who tries to solve a mystery on Halloween night. I have not seen this but I think I will watch it cause it sounds so cute!!
Make it extra fun by putting together a dog-friendly popcorn bowl (plain, air-popped) so your pup can enjoy movie night with you!
Bake some Pumpkin Treats
Check out my Pumpkin Cookie Blog for an easy treat to whip top for your dog. Even if you say you can't bake, you can bake these and theres only 3 ingredients! Your pup will love them!
Tricks and Treat Your Dog
If your pup is good with children and costumes a fun activity to do is let the trick or treaters treat your dog for doing tricks or just being a good pup. I always use a baby gate for this! I asked the kids if they want to see Tyra do a trick and every one of them said yes. I had Tyra sit, shake hands or down and when she did it the kids gently tossed a treat I provided over the gate to her. Tyra loved it and so did the kids! If you get a ton of trick or treaters make sure to be mindful of how many treats your pup gets. We only get around 10 so I wasn't worried, especially since I used Zuke's or other small treats.
Halloween can be a fun time for both you and your dog if you take the proper precautions to keep them safe. Whether you choose to go all out with costumes and treats or stay in for a cozy night, your pup will love spending time with you. Stay safe, enjoy the festivities, and have a howling good Halloween!
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