Halloween Safety Tips for Dog Owners

french shepherd and leonberger

How to Keep Your Pup Happy and Safe

Halloween is such a fun time of year for families, but our furry friends, it can be a little overwhelming! From the doorbell ringing, to strangers in costumes and sweet treats everywhere, it’s important to take a few extra steps to ensure your dog stays safe and stress-free. Here are some friendly, easy-to-follow Halloween safety tips to help your best friend enjoy the holiday as much as you do!

1. No Candy for Pups! As tempting as it is to share, Halloween candy is a big no-no for dogs. Chocolate can be really harmful to them. It can cause upset stomachs, rapid heartbeats, and even worse – seizures. And watch out for candies with xylitol (an artificial sweetener), which is extremely toxic to dogs. Keep the candy bowls out of reach and let kids and guests know not to share treats with your four-legged friend. Instead, stock up on some dog-friendly goodies so your pup doesn’t feel left out!

2. Create a Cozy Space for Your Dog Halloween is full of strange sounds and sights – doorbells ringing, trick-or-treaters showing up in crazy costumes and maybe even spooky decorations. To help your dog feel safe, set up a quiet, cozy space for them to relax. Whether it’s a comfy room or their crate with their favorite blanket, give them a place to chill out away from all the excitement. You can even use a calming aid like white noise, a pheromone spray or some pet friendly CBD to help them stay relaxed.

3. Dog Costumes: Cute but Careful! Dressing up your dog can be so much fun, but make sure their costume is comfortable. Pick something that doesn’t restrict their movement, breathing, or vision. And definitely avoid costumes with little pieces that your dog could ingest. If your dog isn’t a fan of wearing clothes, don’t force it – sometimes a cute Halloween-themed bandana is all they need to get in the spirit!

4. Leash Up and Light Up If you’re taking your dog out for trick-or-treating, keep them on a leash, even if they’re usually good off-leash. The excitement (or stress) of Halloween can make even the calmest dog act out of character. Using reflective gear or a light-up collar is also a smart idea, especially since Halloween happens at night. And double-check that your dog’s ID tags are current, just in case they slip away.

5. Watch Out for Decorations Dogs are naturally curious, so make sure your Halloween decorations are safe for them. Fake spider webs, small plastic toys, and electrical cords can be tempting but dangerous. Keep these out of reach, and be careful with candles, too – whether they’re in jack-o’-lanterns or part of your spooky decor, you don’t want your dog accidentally knocking one over or getting too close to the flame.

6. Prevent Door Dashing The doorbell ringing constantly can be stressful for some dogs and it also opens the opportunity for them to make a dash for the door. To avoid any escapees, set up a barrier with a baby gate or keep your dog in their safe space during trick-or-treating hours. If your dog enjoys seeing visitors, make sure they’re on a leash before opening the door to keep them from running out.

7. Stick to Your Routine Dogs love routine, so try to keep their schedule as normal as possible. Walks, meals, and playtime should all happen as usual. If your dog gets anxious with all the Halloween excitement, give them some extra exercise earlier in the day to burn off energy. A calm dog is a happy dog and sticking to a routine will help keep their stress levels down.

Conclusion Halloween can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to keep an eye on your dog’s safety and well-being. With a little planning and a lot of love, you can make sure your furry friend enjoys a safe and stress-free Halloween alongside you. Remember, the goal is for everyone – humans and dogs alike – to have a howling good time!

Share This :

Book Your FREE In-Home
Dog Training Consultation Today!

CLICK TO CALL Skip to content