🎃 Keep Your Pup Safe This Halloween: A Spook-tacular Guide
Halloween is fun for us — trick-or-treating, pumpkins, costumes — but it can be a stressful and risky night for our furry friends. With a little planning, you can make sure your dog stays comfy, calm, and totally safe. Here’s how.
1. Create a Calm “Safe Zone”
When your doorbell’s ringing nonstop and costumed kids stream by, your dog might feel overwhelmed. Experts say providing a quiet room — with favorite toys, soft music, and the door closed — can help your dog relax instead of feeling trapped or anxious
Tip: Set up a cozy crate or quiet space early in the day so your pup gets used to it—and make it a positive spot with treats or a comfy bed.
2. Avoid Feeding Human Treats
Candy is everywhere on Halloween — but many treats are dangerous for dogs. Chocolate, raisins, xylitol (in sugar-free treats) can all be toxic.
Tip: Keep candy bags sealed and out of reach. A special dog-friendly treat hidden for later is a much safer option.
3. Be Mindful of Decorations
Spooky decor sets the mood, but lit candles, wires, fake cobwebs, and small pieces can be hazardous if your dog chews or swallows them.
Tip: Choose battery-operated lights instead of open flame, secure wires, and keep small decorations out of paws’ reach.
4. Costume With Care (or Skip It)
Dressing your dog in a costume can be adorable — but only if they’re comfortable. Make sure outfits don’t restrict movement, block vision or hearing, or have small parts that can be chewed off.
Tip: Let your dog try on the costume ahead of time and watch for signs of stress (tucked tail, freezing, lip licking). If they don’t seem happy, a festive bandana is a great alternative.
5. Visibility and Identification Matter
With crowds and unfamiliar sights and sounds, dogs can get spooked and slip out the door. Make sure they’re wearing up-to-date ID tags and consider reflective gear or LED lighting if you’ll be outside after dark.
Tip: A reflective bandana or glow-in-the-dark collar can make a big difference when walking on Halloween night.
