Halloween Tips for Pets and Their People
By Don Hanson, PCBC-A, BFRAP
< A version of this article was published on the Green Acres Kennel Shop blog >
< A version of this article was published in the OCT-2023 issue of Downeast Dog News >
< A version of this article was published in Pets and Their People on 10/24/23 >
< Updated 2026-10-10 >
< The link to this page – https://www.forcefreepets.com/halloween-tips-for-pets-and-their-people/ >
Halloween can be very frightening and even dangerous for our pets. It is a time of year when many children, and even some adults, like to dress up in costumes that make them look different, and often scary. They may also adopt
the stilted walk or pseudo-terrifying vocalizations of the character they portray, which can make them seem even more frightening.
Think about Halloween and all the shenanigans it entails from your pet’s perspective. Was your dog ever socialized/habituated to anything like Halloween? Is it likely that they will find groups of people behaving weirdly and trying to scare one another a pleasant experience? For most pets, the answer to both questions is a resounding “No!” Do your pets a favor this Halloween and keep them inside and safe.
You and your children also need to be cautious when out trick-or-treating, as you may encounter dogs that find you frightening and may bark and growl out of fear.
Tips for You and Your Pets
- Sadly, black cats can become victims of violence and can be abducted to
be someone’s costume accessory this time of year. If you have a black cat, please keep them inside and safe before and after the Halloween holiday. - Dressing your pet in a costume may be fun for you, but it is typically a very stressful experience for your pet. If your pet freezes in place or frantically tries to get out of the costume, they are trying to tell you to STOP! Other signs of distress include calming signals such as tongue flicks/nose licks, yawning, and averting eye contact. More intense signals might be barking, nipping, growling, and biting. Most pets prefer to stay “au naturel” (without a costume), so let them choose.
- Either due to guests coming and going or trick-or-treaters seeking candy, you will likely be opening and closing your door more frequently on Halloween. Pets may be frightened or very excited, which increases the chance they’ll bolt through the door to escape. Secure your pet in a room with a closed door, away from the commotion of a party or trick-or-treaters at your door. Make sure they have a comfortable place to rest, their toys, and a snack. Ideally, a family member will be staying with your dog. Please don’t worry about your pet missing the party. A party’s frenetic activity, especially when people dress oddly and act unusually, often frightens our pets. A pet that bolts outdoors on Halloween may get hurt or get lost.
- If you are having people over for Halloween, ensure everyone at the party knows they must respect your pets and just “let them be.” If your dog enjoys their crate, you may want to put them in the crate with a stuffed Kong or another favorite chew toy, far from the crowd. It may also help to play soothing music or leave the radio on in the room with your pets to mask the sounds of your party and activity at the front door. Another option is to play “white noise,” which you can often do with a mobile phone or tablet.
- There is a high probability of your doorbell ringing more times on Halloween than during a typical day. If your dog reacts every time someone rings the doorbell, don’t get upset with your dog. It is not their fault. Many people disconnect their doorbells on Halloween for this very reason. Alternatively, you can wait at the door so trick-or-treaters don’t need to ring the bell or knock.
- Treats are prevalent at Halloween. Anything containing chocolate or the artificial sweetener xylitol (Birch Sugar) can be deadly to your pets. Keep all candy out of your pets’ reach. Signs of Xylitol poisoning include; vomiting, decreased activity or even coma, shaking, weakness, bleeding, liver failure, and difficulty walking or standing. If you suspect your pet has ingested Xylitol, please get them to their veterinarian immediately!
- If you take your children trick-or-treating, I’d strongly encourage you to leave your dog at home, as they will be far happier.
Tips for Parents and Kids
- When trick-or-treating, avoid houses if you hear a dog barking behind the door, see a dog at the door or windows, or see a dog tied in the yard or barking from behind a fence.
- Never approach any dog, even if you know him. He may not recognize you in your costume.
- If a homeowner opens their door and a dog is present, stay still and wait for them to put their dog away. You can tell them you do not want to interact with their dog. Do not move towards the person or the dog; wait for them to come to you and give you their treat, and then wait for them to close the door before you turn away and leave.
- If a dog runs at you while out trick-or-treating, stand still and “Be A Tree” (hold your hands folded in front of you with your eyes looking at your feet). The dog will probably sniff you and move on. Wait for the dog’s owner or another adult to come and get the dog before you turn away. If no adult is around, wait for the dog to go away.
- Ignoring other people’s dogs on Halloween is best if you encounter them while trick-or-treating. The dog may be anxious about all the people and their costumes. Even if you know the dog, he may not recognize you in your costume.
Posters to Help Educate Family, Friends & Neighbors
Our friends at Mighty Dog Graphics have created this fantastic series of posters to help you teach family members, friends, and neighbors how to make Halloween safer and more fun for you and your pets. Click on the link below to take you to the Mighty Dog Facebook page, where you can print a copy.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.984189611708555&type=3
