Halloween and dogs: how to keep your dog safe
Knocks at the door, costumes and bowls of sweets can all be a lot for a dog. These tips follow Dogs Trust's Halloween advice, with PDSA's vet advice on chocolate.
6 tips for Halloween night
Walk earlier than usual
Go out before trick-or-treating starts and take extra treats. If you meet trick-or-treaters, turn and move away from them, and reward your dog.
Feed the main meal early
Give your dog's main meal before the knocking starts, and keep some food back for an enrichment toy later to help them stay calm.
Manage the front door
Put your dog on a lead before you open the door, or stop them getting to it, so they can't slip out. If you can't close off the door, teach your dog to wait at doorways.
Keep sweets out of reach
Many human foods are toxic to dogs, chocolate especially. Keep treats well out of reach, and practise a "leave it" cue before trick-or-treaters arrive.
Keep costumes for people
Dogs Trust advises keeping costumes for humans. If your dog does wear something, check it can't rub, irritate or make them too hot, and that it doesn't stop them behaving normally.
Think twice about taking your dog trick-or-treating
Even dogs who don't mind costumes may not enjoy the excitement. Your dog may be happier at home in a quiet, comfortable space with their favourite toys.
If your dog eats chocolate
Contact your vet straight away. Don't wait for symptoms. PDSA advises getting to a vet ideally within 2 hours, because the sooner treatment starts, the less of the toxin is absorbed. Tell the vet what type of chocolate it was and how much, and take the wrapper if you have it.
Chocolate contains theobromine, which dogs can't break down as easily as people can. Signs to look out for include:
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Being agitated, restless or unusually excited
- Drinking or weeing more than usual
- A tender tummy
Fireworks follow soon after
Halloween starts a noisy week that runs up to Bonfire Night. Give your dog a quiet, cosy place to retreat to, and see our fireworks and dogs guide for how to prepare.
If your dog slips out
If your dog wears a PawTrak collar, whoever finds them can scan the QR plate with their phone camera and message you and share their location.
- Switch on lost mode on your dog's page so finders see an urgent banner.
- No app needed to scan it.
- Keep your name and address tag on the collar too. It's the law.
Shop collars · See what a finder sees