The spookiest time of year has arrived, and while you're out having a good time, your dog might not be feeling the same way. It's simple to keep your dog safe and calm during all the Halloween fun! We'll share essential pieces of advice and our top tips on how to do just that, so keep reading.
Why Halloween Can Be Stressful for Your Dog
Halloween can be a tough time for dogs, and here's why. All those constant doorbell rings and knocks can really make your dog anxious, and then there's the whole parade of painted faces and masks, which makes people look strange and makes it impossible for your dog to read familiar human facial expressions. Plus, some dogs are even dressed up in uncomfortable costumes, which they may struggle to cope with.
8 Top Tips to Keep Your Dog Safe This Halloween
Here are some things you can do to help your dog feel less stressed on Halloween:
#1 Take an Early Walk
Try to walk your dog before it gets dark to avoid running into a large number of people in costumes that might confuse or scare them. Remember that getting enough exercise during the day will also help them stay calm later in the evening.
#2 Serve Dinner Early
After your dog has had some exercise, feed them earlier than usual. You don't want them trying to eat while stressed, which could lead to an upset stomach or a mess on your floor.
Since this is a busy time, you'll need something quick and easy to serve, like a meal you just add warm water to for a hassle-free dinner your dog will love. Nothing beats the PetMix Dinners collection, which offers grain-free formulas made with pure, natural food and no artificial ingredients.
All the PetMix recipes are crafted with high-quality meat and veggies, providing complete and balanced nutrition for all adult breeds and sizes. You can choose from high-quality US Midwest-sourced lamb, chicken, beef, and fish proteins, so you have multiple options.
#3 Let Your Dog Stay Inside While You Hand Out Candy
If you know your dog gets stressed or barks a lot when people come to the door, a great idea is to have them stay inside while you hand out candy from your porch or driveway. This way, your doorbell won't constantly ring and upset your dog. Make sure to leave the TV on inside to help keep them distracted.
#4 Let Your Dog Get Used to Costumes
If guests in your home are dressing up for Halloween, let your dog or puppy sniff and check out the costumes. Put on any masks in front of them, and turn the strange sight of you in costume into a good experience by giving them some treats.
Also, ask any visiting kids or adults not to stand over your dog or approach them too suddenly, as this can be scary and stressful for your pet.
#5 Create a Safe Room for Your Dog
One of the best ways to calm a stressed dog is to give them a safe space they can go to when you have guests over, and this is super important for very nervous pets who just can't handle all the activity of a party.
This safe room should be far from all the excitement; make sure it has healthy treats and water bowls, some of your pup's favorite toys, and a really comfy bed, and don't forget to visit them now and then for potty breaks and cuddles.
To help stock up on those healthy treats and engaging chews to keep them occupied, consider Healthy Dogma’s special Halloween Bundles. For instance, Halloween Bundle #1 includes your choice of Kitchen Cuts Freeze-Dried 100% Treats (Beef, Chicken, Fish, Lamb, or Salmon), plus Oktoberfest Crunchy Treats, Boo-berry Peanut Butter Tiny Bones, Liver Flavor Soft Bones, and a Beef Cheek Roll.
Or, check out Halloween Bundle #2, which lets you pick either a HomeStyle PetMix (Beef, Chicken, Fish, or Lamb) or PetMix Original (2lb), another Kitchen Cuts Freeze-Dried 100% Treat, along with Oktoberfest Crunchy Treats, Boo-berry Peanut Butter Tiny Bones, Liver Flavor Soft Bones, and two Beef Cheek Rolls.
Note: These bundles are a limited October offer, so you only have a few days left to order!
#6 Keep Halloween Treats Away From Prying Paws
Speaking of healthy treats, while our Halloween Bundles are a fantastic option, it's equally important to ensure all other sweets and chocolates are stored completely out of your dog's reach. We advise this all year long, but with Halloween bringing so many extra goodies into the house, it's incredibly important to make sure they're kept where your dog absolutely cannot get to them.
Chocolate, for example, is poisonous for dogs because it contains theobromine and caffeine, two stimulants that dogs can't process well, so even a small amount can make them very sick. Many sweets contain sugar, but some also use a sweetener called Xylitol, which can cause a dangerous drop in your dog's blood sugar and even liver failure.
It's not just the sweets themselves that are harmful either; the wrappers and packaging pose their own risks. If swallowed, these can cause serious internal damage, like blockages that might even require surgery.
#7 Keep it Simple with a Collar
Most dogs don't really like wearing costumes, and certain outfits might even pose a danger near candles. So, instead of a full costume, you might want to get a fun Halloween-themed collar if you want your dog to join in the festive spirit.
It's also very important to avoid using colored hairspray or hair dye on your pet, as these products can be toxic and cause dangerous skin or coat problems. Just be sure to transfer your dog's identification tag to any new collar; it's super important for them to be safely returned to you if they happen to get loose.
#8 Try Calming Products for Dogs
As you get ready for Halloween, you might find that anxiety-reducing supplements can really help ease your pet's nervousness. Consider Healthy Dogma's Peaceful Pooch Supplement, which is an all-natural nutritional additive made to help your dog relax and reduce anxiety without any harsh chemicals.
It's a soothing blend that includes flaxseed meal, known for its cancer-fighting properties, fiber, and benefits for heart health and digestion. There's also passion flower, which acts as a gentle emotional stabilizer to naturally relieve anxiety and tension, keeping your pooch calm.
Chamomile is included to naturally soothe and ease tension, promoting peace and relaxation, while milk thistle seed supports liver health and detoxification for optimal body function. Finally, melatonin, a natural sedative, helps your pet stay calm during stressful times.
This calming supplement for dogs is super easy to mix into your pet’s food, helping them stay serene during anxious situations like fireworks, thunderstorms, or even separation anxiety.
All in all, once you keep these tips in mind, you and your dog can have an exceptionally enjoyable Halloween together.
Happy Halloween!
