People often talk about the stress that the firework holidays (Independence Day, New Yearโs 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 costumeโand 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! Donโt force costumes on dogs ever! Itโs not worth getting someone bitten over!
Human costumes
As funny as you might think it would be to film your dogโs reaction to you or your kid fully disguised in an elaborate costume, please donโt! Many dogs are terrified by Halloween costumes, and itโs 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 itโs still you. Save putting on any masks for when youโve left the house!
Similarly, donโt 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 sheโs 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 โair lockโ around your front door with an exercise pen, so your dog canโt approach (much less run out of) the front door when itโs open. Better yet, confine him to a part of the house where he canโt access the door area at all. If you have baby gates set up so that he can see whatโs happening at the door, but canโt 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. Itโs always a good time to check the registration of your dogโs microchip, too, to make sure that the registry has your current contact information.
Above all: Keep candy out of reach!
Secure all candyโespecially chocolatesโwell 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!
I’ve opted for the gate locked, lights off and dogs confined to the back yard. I don’t want any disappointed trick or treaters decided to play a trick on my dogs. I’ve had my house egged before.
Grinchy? Well, I’ve had four adults with a newborn come to my door with five treat bags. Also high school kids who I deem to be too old. I’ve had my jack-o-lanterns taken and smashed in the streets and the following day I’ve had my flowers in glazed pots stolen from my porch. So no more Halloween. The little ones can go to the school and chuch carnivals and other community events.