Halloween is just around the corner, and we often forget that what is a fun-filled night for our families can terrify our dogs. Between spooky decorations in the neighborhood, changes in appearances of their trusted family members, and all the extra visitors at the door, it can be overwhelming for even the best of dogs. We’ve compiled a list of tips to help keep your dog away from the frights and be able to enjoy the night without adding stress to you.
Tip #1: Create a safe space for your dog.
Find a space in your home where your dog can be away from all the chaos, add in some white noise, a radio, or even a box fan, so it can help drown out the sounds of children coming to the door.
Tip #2: Use extra enrichment.
Have some frozen goodies in the freezer to utilize during the busy hours of Halloween, so that they can stay busy and have positive associations with the sounds they can hear. Think frozen Toppl’s, Kongs. Liki Mats, Slow feeder bowls. Keep them busy, it’s okay to use extra enrichment on Halloween eve, consider it as their extra special treat extravaganza, so they can avoid any tricky situations.
Tip #3: Go for your walk earlier in the day.
If you are used to walking your dog every evening, consider taking them for a walk while it is still daylight and less busy. Keep an eye out for those scary decorations and keep a wide berth if your dog may startle at decorations that may be movement activated.
Tip #4: Avoid people ringing and knocking on the door.
Consider sitting outside with your candy to greet trick or treaters, or leaving a bowl of candy with a note outside. Disconnect your doorbell for the night, and keep the inside of your home calm so you are not increasing your dog’s reactions to the doorbell. It can also be a great idea to put candy at the top of your driveway away from your house so that people do not ring your doorbell or cause stress and excitement. Place lights around the candy bowl. If your dog is comfy inside. You can even greet trick-or-treaters in the driveway instead of at your door.
Tip #5: Consider your dog with costumes.
Does your dog hate wearing a coat in winter? Do they dislike their harness? Consider skipping the costume and opting for a festive collar or bandana instead. If your dog doesn’t mind wearing a coat or is used to being dressed up, then look for a costume that allows freedom of movement and does not impede their vision. It’s always a good idea to get your dog used to the costume before they are expected to wear it. Use lots of praise and rewards, and have short sessions with it before you put it on for multiple hours.
Tip #6: Make sure decorations are safe.
Many dogs get curious about fake spiderwebs, Jack-o-lanterns, small decorations, candy in bowls, or anything else ingestible. Make sure to keep these items out of reach and not enticing for your dog’s curious nose to get into trouble. Remember that motion-activated decorations may spook your dog, and it may be best to put the dog away before turning those items on or putting them out.
Tip #7: Watch out for candy.
If your kids are going out collecting candy and goodies, make sure to put them in a location that your dog cannot access. Chocolate, sweeteners, raisins, and some nuts are toxic to dogs. Avoid accidental ingestion by planning for where that candy will be stored.
Tip #8: Leave your dog at home.
If you are going trick-or-treating, then most of the time it is better to leave your dog at home. There is so much unpredictability when it comes to Halloween, and your dog may not appreciate being pet by vampires, ghouls, or other creatures of the night that are hunting for candy. They most likely will not enjoy the loud sounds or spooky sights of all the festive houses or people stopping to say hi. They also will not understand why you are stopping at every house on your walk.
Tip #9: Do not leave your dog outside unattended.
Every year, pets go missing or are injured on Halloween. Whether it’s loud noises or sights that spook them and cause them to run, or Halloween Tricks gone wrong, it is better to make sure your dog is secured in the house than to risk them going missing or getting hurt.
Halloween is a wonderful fun fun-filled night for your family, and it is normal to want to include your dog in the festivities. But if your dog is not going to enjoy the things that come with Halloween, then who are you including them for? For the pictures? Because you don’t want them to feel left out? An evening away, enjoying lots of treats, is a way better experience for your dog than being frightened or even traumatised in the name of inclusion. There are some things and events that are better to keep your dog away from to avoid creating bigger issues.