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Don't Spook Fido This Halloween - Tips for Keeping Your Pup Safe | Hunter Mill Retrievers

Writer's picture: Victoria CherpesVictoria Cherpes


Halloween is a time for spooky decorations, costumes, and trick-or-treating, but it’s not always a holiday that our furry friends look forward to or understand. The constant doorbell ringing, strange costumes, and loud noises can be extremely frightening for dogs. Candy can be harmful for them too. If you’re a dog owner, it’s your responsibility to keep your pup happy and safe on Halloween.


Here are some tips to help take the scary out of Halloween for dogs.


Keep Your Dog Indoors

On the night of Halloween, it’s best to keep your dog indoors. The constant noise and commotion can be overwhelming for dogs, and they may become agitated or scared. Instead of letting your pup roam outside, make sure they’re confined to a familiar room or crate. Also, make sure that all doors and windows are securely shut to prevent them from bolting out the door.


Avoid Halloween Costumes for Dogs

This is our personal opinion at Hunter Mill Retrievers. While dressing up your dog may seem like a fun idea, it can actually cause more harm than good. Not only do many dogs find costumes uncomfortable or scary, but they can also interfere with their vision, hearing, and movement. Halloween costumes for dogs can also pose a choking hazard and can even lead to overheating in warmer climates. To keep your dog happy and comfortable, it’s best to avoid Halloween costumes altogether.


Treat Your Dog to a Special Halloween Treat

Just because your dog can’t have candy doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy a special Halloween treat. Consider making your pup a homemade dog biscuit or buying them a Halloween-themed toy or treat. This can give your furry friend something to look forward to on Halloween and may also help to distract them from the noise and commotion.


Make Sure Your Dog Has Identification

In the event that your dog does run out of the house or escape during the chaos of Halloween, it’s important that they have proper identification. Make sure that your dog’s collar has updated contact information and consider having them microchipped. In the worst-case scenario, proper identification can help lost pets be reunited with their owners.


Be Prepared to Calm Your Dog

Even with the best precautions, some dogs may still become scared or anxious on Halloween. It’s important to have a plan in case this happens. Consider using calming techniques, such as a Thundershirt, or playing soothing music to help calm your pup. If your dog does become extremely agitated or scared, it’s best to consult a professional veterinarian for advice.


Dogs and Halloween Candy Don't Mix

Highly sugary snacks like caramel and candy corn can lead to severe stomach upsets, diarrhea, and severe gas in your furry friend. The high sugar content also feeds gut bacteria and might pull water from your pet's colon leading to severe diarrhea.


Halloween can be a fun holiday for both humans and dogs, but it’s important to keep our furry friends happy and safe. By keeping your dog indoors, avoiding Halloween costumes, treating them to a special Halloween treat, making sure they have proper identification, and being prepared to calm them in case of a scared episode, you can help take the scary out of Halloween for dogs. Remember to always prioritize your dog’s safety and comfort on Halloween and any other holiday.

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