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Halloween is a blast for us — but for your dog, it's basically a horror movie: the doorbell rings 200 times, strangers in masks invade the porch, and the whole house smells like chocolate (which they can't have). Here's how to keep your pup happy while you hand out candy.
1. Tire them out before dark
A tired dog is a calm dog. Get a good game of fetch in before the trick-or-treaters arrive — the Chuckit! Ultra Ball turns 20 minutes in the yard into a real workout.
2. Lock down the candy
Chocolate, xylitol (in sugar-free candy), and raisins can all be dangerous for dogs. Keep the candy bowl high and out of reach, and make sure the kids know the rule: no sharing with the dog.
3. Costumes: only if your dog says yes
Some dogs love dressing up. Most just tolerate it for the treat. Test the costume a few days ahead — if your dog freezes, tries to chew it off, or hides under the table, skip it. A festive bandana counts.
4. Give them a job during doorbell madness
Stuff a KONG Classic with peanut butter and freeze it, then hand it over when the first trick-or-treaters knock. A busy mouth is a quiet mouth.
5. Set up a quiet retreat
Make a cozy spot away from the front door with their bed, a blanket, and a puzzle toy like the Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel to keep their brain busy while chaos reigns at the door.
6. Double-check ID tags
More dogs go missing on Halloween than almost any other night — open doors, spooked pups, dark streets. Make sure the collar is on and the tags are current before sunset.
7. Skip trick-or-treating together (probably)
Crowds, masks, screaming kids, dark streets — it's a lot. Unless your dog is rock-solid in chaos, they're happier at home with that frozen Kong.
Have a safe, spooky, treat-filled Halloween — for both species!
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