Happy Howl-oween! 🎃

Celebrate Halloween Safely and Creatively with Your Dog 

Halloween is a time for spooky fun and costumes (and sweets), but it can also be a great opportunity to include your dog in the festivities! With a little planning and awareness, you can make Halloween enjoyable for both you and your furry friend. Here’s a guide on how to celebrate, what to be cautious of, and tips to make the most of this spooky season with your dog. 

1. Involve Your Dog in the Halloween Spirit 

Halloween can be a fun bonding experience, especially if your dog enjoys being around people or dressing up. Here are a few ways to involve your pup: 

• Costume Fun: If your dog is comfortable in outfits, consider dressing them up in a cute or spooky costume, for the photo opportunity or to surprise the trick-or-treaters! There are plenty of pet-friendly costumes available, from pumpkins to superheroes. Make sure to choose something that won’t restrict their movement, breathing, or vision. Keep it lightweight and avoid costumes with small parts that could become choking hazards. 
• Doggy Trick-or-Treating: If your neighbours are dog-lovers and your dog likes people, why not take them along for trick-or-treating with the kids. And don’t forget to set your Biscuit app and record those steps if you do! 
• Pumpkin Playtime: Pumpkin is healthy for dogs! After carving your pumpkin, use the leftovers to make homemade dog treats. Just be sure to avoid giving them the seeds or skin, as these can be difficult to digest. Cook the pumpkin first or bake a simple pumpkin puree treat with ingredients like peanut butter or oat flour. 

2. Halloween Safety for Dogs 

As exciting as Halloween is, there are also some risks to be aware of. Taking a few extra precautions will ensure that your dog stays safe and happy throughout. 

• Watch the sweets: One of the biggest Halloween dangers for dogs is sweets, especially chocolate and anything containing xylitol (a sweetener that’s toxic to pets). Make sure they’re all kept out of reach, and inform your guests and family members not to feed your dog any human treats. 
• Be Mindful of Decorations: Decorations like string lights, fake cobwebs, and small decorations can pose choking risks if your dog decides to play with them. Candles inside pumpkins can also be hazardous, especially at low levels, so use battery-operated lights instead. Keep an eye on your pup and make sure they aren’t chewing or ingesting any decorations! 
• Comfort in Crowds: While some dogs are social butterflies, others might feel overwhelmed by the constant doorbell ringing, strange costumes, and extra visitors. If your dog is anxious, create a safe space for them in a quiet room with their favourite toys or blanket. You can also play calming music to help soothe their nerves. 
• Secure the Door: With trick-or-treaters coming and going, doors are often open. Dogs may try to dart outside, so keep them behind a secure gate or with a lead on when the door is frequently in use. Make sure their collar and microchip information is up to date just in case they do manage to slip away. 

3. Creative Ways to Celebrate with Your Dog 

Beyond the traditional trick-or-treating and costumes, there are plenty of other ways to celebrate Halloween with your dog. Here are a few ideas: 

• Host a Dog-Friendly Halloween Party: Invite your friends and their dogs over for a Halloween-themed playdate! You can set up activities like a costume contest, a dog-friendly scavenger hunt, or even a bobbing-for-apples game (use floating toys instead of apples). Make sure all snacks are dog-safe, and consider setting up separate areas for dogs that may need a break from the action. 
• Halloween-Themed Photoshoot: If your dog isn’t too keen on wearing costumes for long periods, a quick photoshoot could be the perfect way to capture the spirit of the holiday without stressing them out. Decorate a corner of your house or yard with festive props and snap a few cute pictures of your dog without a costume there. 
• DIY Halloween Dog Treats: Spend some time baking up special Halloween-themed dog treats. You can shape them like pumpkins, ghosts, or bats using cookie cutters, or create homemade dog biscuits using pumpkin, peanut butter, or sweet potato. Your pup will love these homemade goodies. 

4. Signs of Stress to Watch For 

Not all dogs enjoy the spooky sights and sounds of Halloween, and it’s important to be aware of signs that your dog may be feeling anxious or stressed. Watch for these behaviors: 

• Excessive panting or drooling 
• Pacing or restlessness 
• Whining or barking more than usual 
• Cowering, hiding, or attempting to escape 
• Changes in body language, like pinned-back ears or a tucked tail 

If you notice any of these signs, remove your dog from the situation and give them a quiet space where they feel safe. Sometimes, skipping the Halloween chaos and opting for a cozy night in with your pup is the best way to go. 

5. Make Halloween Fun and Stress-Free 

The key to a great Halloween with your dog is knowing their limits and making sure they are comfortable. If they love being part of the action, then dressing up and getting involved in the festivities can be a blast. But if your dog tends to get overwhelmed, it’s okay to celebrate in more low-key ways, like having a movie marathon with dog-safe treats. 

Ultimately, Halloween should be fun for everyone—including your dog. With some safety measures in place and a little creativity, you can make it a special night that both of you will enjoy. 

Happy Howl-oween! 🎃🐾