How To Have A Fun Halloween With Your Dog

Trick-or-Treat, I lick feet!” – Every Dog

It’s that time of year again…

Halloween is a time for spooky decorations, candy, and festive costumes. If you’re a dog parent, you know that your furry friend can be part of the fun too! Whether you’re planning to dress up together or enjoy a relaxing night at home…

You can have a fun and safe Halloween with your dog…

1. Pick the Perfect Costume (or Not!) – One of the best parts of Halloween is the costumes, and your pup can get in on the action. When choosing a costume for your dog, there are a few important things to keep in mind:
   • Comfort is key: Make sure the costume fits well and doesn’t restrict your dog’s movement.
     • Avoid costumes with tight bands or small parts that your dog might chew or swallow.
     • If your dog isn’t used to wearing clothing, start by trying out a bandana or a simple cape
   • Check for safety: Ensure there are no loose pieces that can become a choking hazard.
     • Reflective gear is also a good idea, especially if you’ll be walking at night.
   • Respect your dog’s comfort level: Not all dogs like being dressed up, and that’s okay!
     • If your dog seems anxious or uncomfortable in a costume, you can always skip it and let them be comfortable and happy without.
   • If you do decide to dress your pup in a costume, matching outfits can be fun. Imagine you and your dog as a superhero duo, or a famous pair like Harry Potter and his loyal companion, Fang!
2. Create a Pet-Friendly Trick-or-Treat Experience – Trick-or-treating is one of Halloween’s best traditions, and your dog can tag along as long as you plan carefully:
   • Stay in dog-friendly areas: Stick to neighborhoods that are less crowded, because too many people in costumes can overwhelm your dog.
     • If Fido is nervous around strangers or loud noises, consider keeping him at home and handing out treats instead.
   • Keep a short leash: Halloween can be a bit chaotic with kids running around and decorations everywhere.
     • To keep your dog safe, always use a leash and harness.
       • Avoid retractable leashes, which can be difficult to control in busy areas.
     • Bring dog treats: While everyone else is getting candy, make sure you’ve got some dog-safe treats on hand.
       • This way, your pup can have something to snack on while they go door to door with you.
   • Be cautious of candy and chocolate, which can be dangerous for dogs. If you’re hosting or visiting, make sure all candy is out of reach from your dog!
3. Host a Dog-Friendly Halloween Party – If trick-or-treating isn’t your thing, you can still celebrate Halloween by hosting a party that includes your dog and other furry friends. Here are some ideas:
   • Halloween-themed dog treats: Bake some spooky-shaped dog treats using ingredients like pumpkin or peanut butter. You can even make “pupcakes” with dog-safe frosting for a fun twist.
   • Dog-friendly activities: Set up a “bobbing for treats” station by filling a shallow bucket with water and dropping in floating dog treats. Or, have a costume contest with prizes for the best-dressed pup!
   • Pet-safe decorations: Keep decorations simple and avoid items that could pose a hazard, such as candles or small parts that dogs could swallow.
   • A dog-friendly Halloween party can be a great way to celebrate with your pet without all the hustle and bustle of trick-or-treating.
4. Prepare for a Halloween Night at Home – Even if you’re not out and about, Halloween can be stressful for your dog with all the noise from trick-or-treaters. To make the evening enjoyable for your pup:
   • Create a safe space: Set up a cozy spot for Fido where he can retreat if he feels overwhelmed.
     • This could be in a quiet room with their favorite toys and a comfy bed.
   • Calm his nerves: If your dog gets anxious with all the doorbell ringing, you might want to play some calming music or use a white noise machine to help drown out the noise. You can also give them a puzzle toy to keep them busy.
   • Greet trick-or-treaters calmly: If your dog is social and enjoys saying hi to guests, keep him on a leash when answering the door to prevent him from running out.
     • If he is  more nervous, it’s best to keep him away from the front door altogether.
5. Better Safe Than Sorry – Last, but not least, safety is the top priority during any Halloween activity.
   • Make sure your dog has up-to-date ID tags and is microchipped in case he gets loose during the festivities.
   • Avoid leaving him unsupervised outside, because Halloween pranks can sometimes target pets.
   • Also, keep decorations that could pose a threat, like candles, out of your dog’s reach. Glow sticks, while fun, can also be dangerous if chewed on by a curious pup.

Be Safe and Have Fun!

At BowWow Fun Towne…

Dogs are our business, and our friends, and we understand how important your dog is to you.