Reviewed by Dr. Fiona Lee
Most dogs are considered part of the family and are included in holiday festivities. Halloween provides the perfect excuse to dress up your dog and head out for a night of family fun. But not every dog is built for the same level of social interaction and excitement. Before taking your pet out, make sure to follow these tips for a safe night of trick-or-treating with your dog.
1. Prep your pooch
Halloween can be a lot of fun, but only if your dog is prepared. Take time to prep your pooch before heading out to ensure they aren't overwhelmed by all the people, costumes and yard decorations.1 A dog who is usually calm in social situations and likes strangers is more likely to enjoy Halloween. An anxious pup should stay home.2 Consider these factors to get your canine bestie prepped for the big night.
Desensitization
Gradually expose your dog to Halloween decorations, sounds and costumes to reduce anxiety.3 Before Halloween, take your dog out for short periods of time to gauge their reactions. This technique is called desensitization, and it can also help you determine if your dog has the right temperament for trick-or-treating.
Training refresh
Practice basic obedience commands and socialization skills to navigate busy streets on Halloween night.4 This includes commands like "leave it" and "drop it" in case your pup tries to get into candy or unsafe decorations.3 You'll also want to review commands like "come," "stay" and "heel."4
Make sure your dog can be calm around noisy adults, children and other dogs before Halloween night.1 Your dog should walk calmly on a loose leash and know how to greet people without jumping or excessive excitement.3
2. Plan your route
Don't just head outside without planning. Pick a suitable trick-or-treating route for your furry friend. Consider these tips:
- Opt for familiarity: Choose well-lit streets and routes your dog is accustomed to for comfort.4
- Avoid crowds and front doors: Opt for quieter neighborhoods to reduce stress. Also, avoid taking your dog directly to front doors to prevent unexpected encounters with other dogs or frightening decorations.3
- Check the distance: Consider just how far your dog can realistically walk.
3. Think about costume safety for your dog
Some outgoing, confident pets happily and effortlessly wear Halloween costumes. Others may be apprehensive, signaling clearly that they want no part in wearing any clothing. If your pet does enjoy wearing costumes on occasion, heed these three safety tips:
Check for comfort
Opt for costumes that are comfy for your pup and don't restrict movement.1 The costume shouldn't be too small or so big your pet might get tangled in it.
Ensure safety
Avoid costumes with small parts that can be swallowed. Closely examine the outfit to make sure it doesn't have any buttons or other small items that your pet can easily pull out and choke on.2 Avoid costumes that cover your pet's face or ears, preventing them from seeing and hearing properly.2
Focus on familiarity
Introduce the costume to your dog gradually before Halloween to ensure they're comfortable wearing it.2 And heed your pet's body cues: Nix the costume altogether if your dog acts uncomfortable or stressed when wearing it,1 such as pacing, panting excessively, pawing at the costume or having a stiff or crouched posture.5
4. Take safety precautions on Halloween night
Once you're confident your dog will enjoy trick-or-treating, prioritize your pup's safety with these five tips:
Use a good leash and collar
Make sure your dog is always wearing a collar and is kept on a leash.1 This way, if they get spooked, they won't be able to take off down a dark street.
Update your pet's identification
Your pup should have up-to-date ID tags in case they somehow manage to bolt.1 Your pup should also have a microchip that's updated with your contact information and your veterinarian's details.
Use reflective accessories
Attach reflective accessories to your dog's costume or leash for visibility in the dark.1
Keep your dog away from candy
Keep a close eye on your pup, because Halloween candy and treats can be dangerous to dogs:1
- Many Halloween candies contain chocolate, which your dog should never eat.5
- High-sugar or high-fat candy, like candy corn, can lead to pancreatitis.5
- Candies and wrappers can cause choking or lead to gastrointestinal obstruction.5
- Xylitol (often found in sugar-free candies) can cause liver damage or death.6
- Raisins are highly toxic to dogs and can damage their kidneys.2
- Some nuts, like walnuts or macadamia nuts, are also toxic to dogs.7
You will have to be especially careful on Halloween, since plenty of candy and wrappers will likely be dropped on the ground. Once you get home, make sure all your candy is stored properly in sealed containers.
Watch your dog's stress levels
Consider exercising your dog before leaving in order to burn off some extra energy. Once you're out, pay attention to your dog's stress levels and decide when it's time to head back home.8 Signs of stress can include:1
- Excessive panting
- Drooling
- Barking
- Lunging on the leash
- Shaking
- Hiding
- Tucked tail
- Dilated pupils
5. Reward good behavior
You shouldn't be the only one enjoying Halloween. As you're trick-or-treating, continue to reward your dog for good behavior with positive reinforcement, just like you would on any walk. Of course, your dog should be on a leash and should not be allowed to jump on people, bark inappropriately or act aggressively in any way. But it's especially important to encourage good behavior on Halloween, since you'll be encountering a lot of unfamiliar people. This means taking plenty of dog-safe treats with you.
6. Pack the essentials
Before heading out the door, make sure you have these essential items for a smooth trick-or-treating experience:7
- Treats to reward good behavior
- Poop bags for waste cleanup
- Portable water and bowl
- Flashlight and reflectors on your dog's harness or leash
7. Remember post-trick-or-treating care
Help your doggie decompress after an exciting night. For instance:
- Create a quiet and comfortable space where your dog can chill. Include your dog's favorite toys, blankets and water to make them feel secure.1
- Double-check for any signs of discomfort, irritation or costume-related issues.1
- Reward your dog with treats at home. You might even give your pup a special dog-safe snack, like a little unseasoned chicken breast,5 a little frozen banana, plain peanut butter or plain pumpkin.7
- Keep candy out of reach.
- End the night with some snuggle time to conclude on a positive note.
Pets Best can help
If you don't think your dog will enjoy the adventure of trick-or-treating, then it's best to leave your pup at home. But if your dog is social and loves new adventures, Halloween could be a great night for all of you—as long as you keep a close eye on your furry companion. Taking a few precautions will help ensure a safe and enjoyable Halloween for everyone in your family, including your four-legged members.
Trick-or-treating can be a blast, but you should always prioritize your dog's safety and comfort. At Pets Best, our dog insurance plans help ensure that your pet is covered if anything unexpected happens during the holidays. Pets Best policyholders can also speak to a veterinary expert anytime—including on Halloween night—through a 24/7 Pet Helpline.
Sources/Citations
1. "How to Go Trick-or-Treating with Your Dog," Lauren Taylor (10/2022), The Dodo, https://www.thedodo.com/dodowell/dogs-trick-or-treating, accessed September 1, 2023.
2. "Halloween Pet Safety," American Veterinary Medical Association, https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/halloween-pet-safety, accessed September 1, 2023.
3. "Top 5 Training Tips to Keep Your Dog Safe on Halloween," Cathy Madson (11/2022), Preventive Vet, https://www.preventivevet.com/dogs/training-tips-to-keep-your-dog-safe-on-halloween, accessed September 1, 2023.
4. "Can You Take Your Dog Trick-or-Treating?" Mel Lee-Smith (10/2020), Wag Walking, https://wagwalking.com/daily/can-you-take-your-dog-trick-or-treating, accessed September 1, 2023.
5. "Trick or Treat: 4 Treats That Will Keep Your Pet Safe on Halloween," (10/2022), Walnut Creek Vet Hospital, https://walnutcreekvethospital.com/trick-or-treat-4-treats-that-will-keep-your-pet-safe-on-halloween/, accessed September 1, 2023.
6. "Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs," Veronica Higgs (8/2022), PetMD, https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/endocrine/c_dg_xylitol_toxicity, accessed September 1, 2023.
7. "A Scary Combination: Halloween Treats and Pets," (5/2022), Oak Forest Veterinary Hospital, https://oakforestvet.com/blog/halloween-treats-and-pets/, accessed September 1, 2023.
8. "Should You Bring Your Dog Trick-or-Treating?" Hilarie Erb (10/2021), American Kennel Club, https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/trick-or-treat-should-your-dog-go-along/, accessed September 1, 2023.