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Humans in costumes. Dogs in costumes. New decorations around the house. Doorbells ringing throughout the night. Going trick-or-treating. All the tempting smells of Halloween candy. It’s a lot for a dog to take in.
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While dogs don’t understand Halloween traditions the way humans do, they do react to the unusual sights, sounds, smells, and routines that come with the holiday. Luckily, there are precautions you can take to make your pets feel more comfortable during the festivities.
How Dogs Feel About Wearing Costumes
Every year, millions of Americans dress their dogs and cats in costumes. But families with pets at home should be careful when dressing up their dog.
Being paraded around in a costume may be fun for some dogs — but not all, says Dr. Rachel Malamed, a veterinarian and board-certified veterinary behaviorist. “Avoid undue stress and don’t dress your pet unless you are absolutely sure that they’ll be ‘thrilled’ with this idea. Some dogs are fearful of being handled and may also be sensitive to having clothing put on them.”
“Pet costumes can be fun and cute for people, but they can present a danger to pets,” adds Dr. Jerry Klein, American Kennel Club Chief Veterinarian.
If you’re planning on dress your dog for Halloween, keep these safety considerations in mind:
- Shop around for a safe outfit: “Fastenings should only be made of Velcro, not buttons, drawstrings, or elastic,” says Dr. Klein. “There should not be any dangling parts that are easily chewed and swallowed by pets. Be sure your pet can breathe easily and move about freely when in its costume.”
- Give your pet a chance to become familiar with their costume over time: Put it on for short periods leading up to Halloween, says Dr. Klein, so that they’re accustomed to and comfortable with it.
- Don’t leave your pet unattended in a costume: This is particularly true if costumes have parts that can be easily ingested by curious pets or obstruct your pet’s breathing and movements.
Why Costumed People Can Be Confusing for Dogs
Getting ourselves dressed up in scary costumes is one of the most fun aspects of Halloween, but it may be frightening for some dogs.
“Many strangers in costume can be extremely scary and stressful for dogs,” cautions Dr. Malamed. “It is best to avoid this type of exposure if you have a fearful animal.”
Even if your dog is usually calm, the crowds and unusual attire they encounter on Halloween could still cause them alarm. Dogs rely heavily on reading human faces and facial expressions to interpret our body language, says Dr. Klein, which is why masks can be especially confusing or unsettling.
Do Dogs Enjoy Trick or Treating?
Some owners want to include their dogs in Halloween outings, while others wonder whether it’s better to keep pets home during the festivities.
“It’s best to keep pets indoors during trick-or-treating hours to prevent them from getting spooked,” says Dr. Klein. “If you do venture out with your dog on Halloween, always keep them on a leash under the control of a responsible adult.”
It’s not unusual for cats and dogs to feel frightened by the doorbell ringing and strangers streaming in and out. Because many visitors are dressed in costumes, even pets that are normally comfortable with guests may react differently, says Dr. Malamed.
To help your remain dog calm and safe throughout the evening:
- Make sure your dog is secure to prevent scared pets from running away: Keep them on a leash or away from the door when trick-or-treaters come by, says Dr. Klein.
- Create a structured environment for your pets to celebrate: “If your pet seems comfortable and visitors are willing, you can ask your dog to sit and the visitor can offer a dog treat,” says. Dr. Malamed. “A more structured interaction, such as a command-response-reward format, can make the situation more predictable and positive, as opposed to having people randomly interact by approaching, reaching, or touching your dog. Exposures should be controlled so that they are fun and not forced.”
- Don’t allow neighbors to give your dog human treats: Human candy and snacks can be dangerous for pets.
- Keep frightened pets in a separate room for their comfort and safety
Responding to Halloween-Related Stressors
Halloween should be fun for everyone, including your dog. Paying attention to their body language can help you identify stress before it escalates.
Dr. Malamed suggests families with dogs at home watch for body postures that might indicate fear, including:
- Tail tucking
- Retraction of the ears
- Pacing and restlessness
- Shaking or cowering
- Moving in slow motion
- Refusing treats
- Hyper-vigilance
- Yawning
- Lip licking
- Panting
In a moment of fear, dogs may try to escape. Make sure your dog has an ID tag, is microchipped, and that all contact information is current.
What Happens if Your Dog Eats Halloween Candy?
Dogs may enjoy sweet flavors, but many Halloween treats contain ingredients that can be dangerous or even life-threatening to pets. Keeping candy securely stored and out of reach is one of the easiest ways to prevent an emergency.
Chocolate
“Chocolate is probably the most common danger pets encounter on Halloween, so it’s especially important to keep bags of chocolate out of the reach of pets,” says Dr. Klein.
Keep the following in mind:
- The darker the chocolate, the greater its toxicity level.
- The smaller the dog, the greater the chance for concern.
- If you suspect your pet has consumed chocolate, reach out to your veterinarian, a veterinary emergency center, or a poison control hotline immediately.
- Signs of chocolate poisoning include hyperactivity (although some dogs may act depressed), drooling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and possibly seizures, which can lead to death.
Candy and Candy Wrappers
When families leave candy in accessible locations, pets may be tempted to help themselves. Dogs may accidentally consume candy wrappers or the artificial sweetener xylitol, both of which may require immediate veterinary attention, says Dr. Klein.
Canned Pumpkin Pie Filling
Plain canned pumpkin can be a healthy source of fiber for dogs. However, canned pumpkin pie filling may contain xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs and can be fatal.
Are Halloween Decorations Dangerous for Dogs?
Many Halloween decorations attract curious pets, but some can pose serious risks.
Be especially mindful of corncobs and pumpkins, which can fragment and create blockages in a dog’s airways or digestive tracts if ingested. Candles can also cause serious burns if dogs get too close.
Supervising pets around decorations and keeping hazardous items out of reach can help prevent avoidable accidents during the holiday season.