Halloween night has this wild, electric energy, do you not agree? There is that crisp bite in the autumn air, the crunch of leaves underfoot, and the sheer joy of watching kids and let us be honest, adults too completely transform for a night of make-believe. But as I was setting out my decorations last year, I looked over at my dog, Barnaby, with his head tilted in confusion at a talking skull, and I had a thought. Why should we have all the fun? Including your pet in trick-or-treating can be an absolute blast, but let me tell you, it is not as simple as just clipping on a leash. You have to get into their headspace a little. Now, I am a huge advocate for pet Halloween fun, but I have to be honest right from the start. Not every furry friend is built for the spooky soirée. I learned this lesson through my neighbor’s dog, Luna. Luna is the sweetest, most placid Labrador you will ever meet, until she saw a six-foot-tall skeleton carrying a treat basket. She was not having it. The key to a successful Halloween with your dog is a brutally honest assessment of their personality. Does your pup live for meeting new people, or do they hide behind the couch when the mailman comes? Is your cat the adventurous type, or do they consider the space under the bed a five-star resort? You have to listen to what they are telling you without words.

For those social butterflies of the dog world, the ones who wag their tails at strangers and thrive on excitement, trick-or-treating can be an incredible adventure. My strategy has always been to start incredibly small. Do not try to conquer the entire block on your first go. Instead, maybe just visit three or four houses of people you know and trust. Let your dog soak in the weirdness of the costumes, the giggles, the rustling of candy wrappers without it becoming sensory overload. Some dogs, like my friend’s terrier, Tucker, are born performers and will ham it up for every witch and ghost they meet. Others need to warm up, and that is perfectly okay. The goal is happy memories, not a marathon. Then, of course, comes the big question: the costume. Planning a fun and safe Halloween for your furry family member involves more than just a cute costume; it is about creating positive experiences while prioritizing their well-being every step of the way. I am a bit of a stickler on this, but your pet’s comfort is non-negotiable. It has to come before the Instagram photo. Choose pet Halloween costumes that are simple and non-restrictive. Anything that limits their movement, vision, or ability to pant is a hard no. I steer clear of full-face masks or bulky hats for anything more than a quick snapshot. Honestly, a festive bandana or a lightweight, comfy vest can be just as adorable and way less stressful for them.

This all funnels directly into the most important part: safety. I can not stress this enough. You must, must, must keep all that Halloween candy far away from curious noses. Chocolate and xylitol, that sneaky sugar substitute in a lot of sugar-free treats, are downright toxic to pets. This means being hyper-vigilant when kids are sorting their loot or when your dog is sniffing around a neighbor’s doorstep. I also keep my dog on a short, secure leash the entire time, even if he has perfect recall on a normal day. The unusual sights and sounds of Halloween can spook even the most steady dog, and a bolting pet is a nightmare you do not want to live. What about our cats and smaller pets? Well, taking your cat trick-or-treating is probably not the most realistic plan. But they do not have to be left out of the spooky spirit! I like to set up a cozy safe space for them, maybe in a back room with their favorite bed and a calming toy. Some cats love being creepy window decorators, watching the little ghosts and goblins parade by from a safe perch. You can still include them by taking those adorable photos in their kitty costumes long before the doorbell starts ringing incessantly.

Timing is another one of those subtle tricks that makes a world of difference. I have found that heading out in the early evening, just as the sun dips below the horizon, is the sweet spot. The crowds are thinner, the kids are not yet sugar-crazed, and the air is still pleasant. Most importantly, you have to watch your dog for signs that they have had enough. If you see excessive panting, a tucked tail, or they keep trying to steer you back home, call it a night. There is no shame in a short and sweet outing. What I truly love about bringing my dog along, when he is up for it, is the pure joy he brings to everyone we meet. The kids’ faces absolutely light up when they see a “doggie dinosaur” at their door. It becomes this wonderful, shared moment that is about more than just candy. It is a connection. But that magic only happens if your pet is happy. If they are stressed, no amount of news from the neighbors is worth it. A successful Halloween with your dog is all about seeing the night through their eyes and making sure their experience is a positive one. For more detailed information on pet-safe foods and toxins, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is an incredible resource. When you get it right, it stops being just a walk around the block and becomes a cherished, slightly silly tradition that you will both look forward to all year long.

 

References

American Veterinary Medical Association. (n.d.). Halloween pet safety. https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/halloween-pet-safety

ASPCA. (n.d.). Halloween safety tips. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/halloween-safety-tips

The Humane Society of the United States. (2019). Halloween safety tips for pets. https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/halloween-safety-tips-pets