Halloween Dog Safety Tips

Trick or treat, smell my feet, give me something good to eat.

I love Halloween. I always have. Not because of the candy or the dressing up, but because of the fall weather and running around. Okay, it was about the candy and the witch costume I always wore. And because I love this night so much, Halloween dog safety is something I take just as seriously as the fun.

Are You a Real Witch?

One year I was passing out candy with my home fully decorated, scary music playing, the whole thing. A sweet 4 year old stopped by and asked, “Are you a real witch?” Her mom gently said, “That wasn’t very nice.” I stooped down, looked at that sweet face, and said, “Oh honey, it depends on who you ask.” The mother and I both laughed.

Watching the Magic From My Chair

I don’t dress up anymore, even though I want to. But I still sit outside on Halloween night, watching the trick-or-treaters and marveling at my neighbors who decorate more than they do for Christmas. They never disappoint. Neither does the neighbor who dresses up like Michael Myers and walks up and down the neighborhood. The first Halloween I spent in my new home, he jumped out from behind a bush and scared the crap out of me. He recognized me and thought I wouldn’t mind. I did. It was AWESOME!

Why Benji Doesn't Get to Answer the Door

But oh, Benji. What do I do with that guy who would gladly meet everyone at the front door? I know my dog. He would bolt out that door and run the neighborhood like he owned the place. He is quite the social dog, so he isn’t thrilled about missing the party, but I really don’t want to chase him around the block while he tinkles on every cornstalk and skeleton decoration. So my dogs have always been kept safe and away from the horrors and mayhem.

Bolting is one of the most common problems on trick-or-treat night. The door opens and closes all evening, and an excited (or nervous) dog only needs one second to slip through. And remember, this is the guy who races to the door just waiting for the mail to drop through the slot. Imagine a whole night of doorbells.

Benji's Halloween Night Setup

Here is how Benji spends the evening. He is crated with his little orange lights, soft music, shades drawn, and some sort of puzzle toy. His crate gets soft blankets and a plush toy too. He eventually naps while I’m outside. I prep him almost the same way I do for the 4th of July, because being ready for a night of doorbells, frolic, and loud noises is something I take seriously. Keeping him safe means keeping him away from the chaos.

After the festivities are over, I take him out for a peek around the neighborhood. Then he remembers the moving Halloween decoration across the street and, yep, we’re done for the night.

If you want to borrow my setup:

Put the crate or quiet room as far from the front door as you can.
Add soft blankets and a plush toy.
Play soft music or white noise to cover the knocking and doorbells.
Draw the shades so flashing costumes and decorations stay out of sight.
Give a puzzle toy to keep their brain busy.

Candy Is the Other Danger

Bolting isn’t the only trick-or-treat problem. Getting into the Halloween candy is a big one. Chocolate and xylitol are huge hazards for pups, and emergency vet visits climb about 12% during Halloween week, according to Nationwide Pet Insurance data.

Chocolate is toxic to dogs, and dark and baking chocolate are the most dangerous.
Xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in many sugar-free candies, can cause serious problems.
Keep candy bowls and trick-or-treat bags up high, and remind the kids in your house to do the same.
Plain pumpkin is not toxic, but edible decorations like candy corn can still upset a dog’s stomach.
If your dog gets into something, call your vet or a pet poison control center right away.

Keep these handy: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control and the Pet Poison Helpline both have resources online.

Start Practicing Before the Big Night

Halloween is Saturday, October 31, so there is still time. If your dog loses it every time the doorbell rings, a little practice goes a long way.

Ring your own doorbell a few times a day and reward your dog for staying calm.
Try ringing it every time you come home, so the sound stops meaning a big event.
Take a long walk earlier in the day. A tired dog is a calmer dog.
Make sure your dog wears an ID tag and is microchipped, just in case someone slips out.

Keep Those Babies Safe

However you spend Halloween, I hope it is full of candy, laughs, and at least one good scare. Mine will be spent in a chair outside, and Benji’s will be spent snoozing in his crate with his little orange lights. Let’s keep those babies safe!