People often talk about the stress that the firework holidays (Independence Day, New Year’s Eve) can inflict on our dogs, but Halloween can also traumatize dogs, or cause them to go missing (all those open doors and distracted door-answerers!). Here are some tips to make sure your Halloween is a safe and happy day for your dog.
Dog costumes
Many of us are amused by seeing a dog in a cute costume—and some dogs honestly love the extra attention they receive in a Halloween outfit. But if your dog gets growly or glum in his costume, take it off! Don’t force costumes on dogs ever! It’s not worth getting someone bitten over!
Human costumes
As funny as you might think it would be to film your dog’s reaction to you or your kid fully disguised in an elaborate costume, please don’t! Many dogs are terrified by Halloween costumes, and it’s just as likely that they will run away from you in fear as growl and perhaps even attack the scary intruder. If possible, let your dog see you getting dressed up and/or made up. Talk to them so they are sure to look at your face and see that it’s still you. Save putting on any masks for when you’ve left the house!
Similarly, don’t expect your dog to be able to happily greet trick-or-treaters in full costumes. If she rolls with all the aliens, witches, ghosts and more, great. But if she’s even the slightest bit apprehensive, follow the tips in the next section to keep her (and the trick-or-treaters) safe and intact!
Trick or treat!
- Keep your dog confined. If you are going to be providing treats for trick-or-treaters, set up an “air lock” around your front door with an exercise pen, so your dog can’t approach (much less run out of) the front door when it’s open. Better yet, confine him to a part of the house where he can’t access the door area at all. If you have baby gates set up so that he can see what’s happening at the door, but can’t come to the door, that may be ideal.
- Alternatively, consider setting up a trick-or-treating station in front of your home, on the porch or in the driveway. Grab some chairs and blankets and the candy bowl and sit outside for the peak of trick-or-treating traffic. That moves the noise and hubbub farther from the house, and eliminates the door opening and closing multiple times.
- Of course, turning the lights off and NOT answering the door is a good option, too!
- Given that there may be an unusual amount of traffic, noise, and strangers in your neighborhood, make sure your dog is wearing a collar with current identification. It’s always a good time to check the registration of your dog’s microchip, too, to make sure that the registry has your current contact information.
Above all: Keep candy out of reach!
Secure all candy—especially chocolates—well out of reach of your dog! Go beyond the middle of the dining room table or counter; think top-of-the-refrigerator or a high cabinet. Make sure your kids secure their candy stashes in a safe location, too. Hiding a bag of candy under their bed will not prevent your dog from finding and eating it, wrappers and all. Help your kids determine a dog-proof hiding spot for their sweet treasure.
Happy Halloween!
