People often talk about the stress that fireworks holidays (Independence Day, New Year’s Eve) can cause our dogs, but Halloween can also traumatize dogs or cause them to go missing (all those open doors and distracted openers!). Here are some tips to make sure Halloween is a safe and happy day for your dog.
Costumes for dogs
Many of us are amused to see a dog in a cute costume — and some dogs genuinely love the extra attention they get in their Halloween outfits. But if your dog gets grumpy in his costume, take it off! don’t force dog costumes ever! It’s not worth biting someone!
Human costumes
As funny as you may think it would be to film your dog’s reaction to you or your child fully disguised in an elaborate costume, please don’t! Many dogs are terrified of Halloween costumes, and are just as likely to run away from you in fear as they are to growl and maybe even attack a scary intruder. If possible, let your dog see you get dressed and/or put on makeup. Talk to them so that they can certainly look into your face and see that it is still you. Save putting on masks when you leave the house!
Similarly, don’t expect your dog to be able to happily greet trick-or-treaters in full costume. If it plays with all the aliens, witches, ghosts and more, great. But if she’s the least bit scared, follow the tips in the next section to keep her (and trick-or-treaters) safe and sound!
Trick or treat!
- Keep your dog confined. If you’re going to be providing treats for trick-or-treaters, place an “airlock” around the front door with an exercise pen so your dog can’t get to (much less walk away from) the front door when it’s open. Better yet, confine him to a part of the house where he can’t access the door at all. If you have baby gates set up so they can see what’s going on at the door but can’t reach the door, that might be ideal.
- Alternatively, consider setting up a trick-or-treating station in front of your home, on your porch or in your driveway. Grab some chairs and blankets and a bowl of candy and sit outside for peak trick-or-treat traffic. It moves the noise and commotion away from the house and eliminates opening and closing the door repeatedly.
- Of course, turning off the lights and NOT opening the door is also a good option!
- Since 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 your dog’s microchip registration as well, to make sure the registry has your current contact information.
Above all: Keep candy out of reach!
Secure all sweets – especially chocolates – out of your dog’s reach! Go beyond the center of the dining table or counter; consider a top-of-the-line refrigerator or tall cabinet. Make sure your kids also secure their candy stash in a safe location. Hiding a bag of candy under their bed won’t stop your dog from finding it and eating it, wrappers and all. Help your kids find a dog-proof place to hide their sweet treasure.
Happy Halloween!
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