Help your dog have a better Halloween

Halloween can be exciting for us, but for some dogs, it can be a surprisingly stressful evening.

The doorbell keeps ringing. People who normally look familiar are suddenly wearing masks and costumes. Children are running up to the house, there are unusual noises outside, and there is a constant stream of activity that your dog doesn’t normally experience.

Some dogs take it all in stride. Others need more support.

The best thing you can do is think about your dog’s individual needs and prepare before the evening gets busy.

Create a quiet space: If your dog finds visitors or unusual activity stressful, give them somewhere comfortable to retreat to before the trick-or-treaters arrive.

This could be a bedroom, a quiet part of the house or another area where your dog already feels comfortable. Give them access to their bed, water and something enjoyable like their favourite chew, stuffed Kong or food puzzle.

Closing the curtains and playing music or turning on the TV can also reduce some of the sights and sounds coming from outside.

The goal is to give your dog somewhere they can relax when the activity becomes too much.

Watch what your dog is telling you: Halloween is a good time to pay close attention to body language.

A dog who is uncomfortable may turn away, hide, freeze, pace, lick their lips, yawn or repeatedly try to move away. These behaviours can be easy to overlook because they aren’t as obvious as barking or growling.

If your dog is showing you they need space, give them space.

Be careful with costumes: Costumes can be confusing for dogs, particularly when they change the appearance of people they already know.

If your dog seems unsure about someone wearing a mask or unusual costume, give them time and distance to process what they are seeing. Don’t encourage them to approach, if they are uncomfortable.

The same applies to putting a costume on your dog. Your dog doesn’t need a costume to be part of Halloween!

Keep halloween treats safe: Make sure chocolate, candy, and products containing xylitol and other potentially harmful foods are kept well out of reach of your dog.

It’s also worth checking your decorations. Candles, electrical cords and small decorations can all become hazards for a curious dog.

Let your dog have their own Halloween: For some dogs, the best part of Halloween might be a quiet walk earlier in the day, followed by a relaxing evening with a favourite chew, and enrichment activities.

There is no one right way for a dog to experience Halloween.

Pay attention to what your dog is telling you, give them choices and make sure they have somewhere comfortable to go when they need a break.

A successful Halloween isn’t about getting your dog through the excitement. It’s about making sure they feel safe and supported while everything around them gets a little unusual.