On 31 October the doorbell rings more often than usual, children in costumes stand outside, and in many homes bowls full of sweets sit ready. For us it is a fun evening, but for many dogs it is an unfamiliar, out-of-the-ordinary situation. With a little preparation, Halloween can be relaxed for your four-legged friend too. Here are the key points for getting through the evening safely.
Why Halloween can be hard work for dogs
From a dog's point of view, a lot happens at once on Halloween that does not fit the usual pattern: the doorbell keeps ringing, strangers in odd outfits stand at the door, the house smells of sweets, and there are more people out on the streets than on a normal evening. Masks and costumes change the silhouette of people, which unsettles some dogs a great deal. Add flickering candles and decorations that move in the wind.
That does not mean your dog has to spend the evening in the basement. It just means: plan the evening deliberately instead of simply letting it happen. Watch your dog and take signs of stress seriously, such as panting without exertion, yawning, a tucked tail or constant licking of the muzzle.
Sweets are off limits: chocolate and xylitol
The biggest health risk at Halloween sits in the sweets bowl. Chocolate contains theobromine, which dogs break down far more slowly than we do. The darker the chocolate and the smaller the dog, the more critical it gets. Sugar-free sweets and chewing gum containing the sugar substitute xylitol (also called birch sugar) are just as risky, as it is dangerous for dogs even in small amounts. Raisins and grapes also have no place anywhere near a dog.
The simplest rule: everything meant for the visiting children stays strictly out of reach. Put the bowl up high and clear away wrappers straight away, because foil and paper are also a problem once swallowed. If your dog does get hold of something anyway, do not wait for symptoms to appear, but call your veterinary practice or the veterinary emergency service right away. Have ready roughly what your dog has eaten and how much your dog weighs.
So that your dog does not miss out, it is worth setting aside a ration of dog treats for the evening. That way you can reward calm behaviour without your dog eyeing up the sweets.
Taking the stress out of the doorbell
The constant ringing is the most demanding part of the evening for many dogs. A few simple measures help:
- Set up a retreat: A quiet room well away from the front door, with the familiar bed, water and a chew or a food toy. A radio or TV at normal room volume covers the noises in the stairwell.
- Door management: Keep your dog behind a closed room door or a gate while you open the front door. In the excitement, an open door gap quickly becomes an escape route, especially when unfamiliar figures are standing outside.
- Check identification: Before the evening, check that the tag on the collar is easy to read and the microchip details are up to date. If your dog does get a fright and bolts, every minute counts.
- Or switch off altogether: If you do not want to receive trick-or-treaters, leave the outside light off. Without a pumpkin and a light by the door, most groups will not ring the bell in the first place.
Costume yes, but done right
For many people, a dog in fancy dress is part of Halloween, and there are dogs that wear their costume completely unfazed. What matters is that you do not take the costume out of its packaging for the first time on 31 October. Let your dog sniff it a few days beforehand, practise putting it on in short steps with treats and increase the wearing time slowly. The costume must allow freedom of movement, must not cover the eyes or ears and stays on only as long as your dog is visibly comfortable. You can read what to look for in terms of safety, size and comfort when buying in our guide to buying a dog costume.
Our Vico is going as a pumpkin this year: the PumpkinPaws pumpkin costume has a soft plush pumpkin belly with an embroidered face, and the matching hat can also be worn on its own if your dog prefers to have little on the body. Even simpler are the BatWings bat wings: they attach with Velcro via a neck and belly strap, hardly get in the way when walking and come off again in seconds. You will find more ideas in our Dog costumes collection.
Out and about on Halloween evening
On 31 October, it is better to take the evening walk before dusk or along quieter streets. While out: keep the lead on, even if your dog is normally reliable off lead. Groups in costumes appearing out of nowhere, bangs or fluttering decorations can startle even calm dogs. A reflector or a small light on the harness makes your dog clearly visible to others. Also watch out for pumpkins with real candles on the ground: sniffing dog noses and open flames do not mix well.
Back at home, the evening can wind down quietly. A well-exercised dog with a full belly and a chew in the bed takes the doorbell ringing far more calmly.
Frequently asked questions
Does my dog have to wear a costume at Halloween?
No. A costume is only a good idea if your dog wears it without stress. If your dog shows avoidance behaviour, freezes or tries to shake the costume off, leave it out. A festive bandana or a hat like the one from the PumpkinPaws is often the better compromise.
What should I do if my dog has got hold of chocolate?
Call your veterinary practice or the emergency service right away and say what and roughly how much your dog has eaten and how much your dog weighs. Do not wait for symptoms such as restlessness, vomiting or trembling to appear, because the earlier you act, the better.
How do I know my dog is stressed?
Typical signs are panting without exertion, frequent yawning, licking the muzzle, a tucked tail, trembling or withdrawal. Take these signals seriously, bring your dog to the retreat and reduce the stimuli. If strong stress reactions persist after the evening, discuss it with your veterinary practice or a dog trainer.
