With so many strange noises, sights, activity, and sometimes being forced to wear something (a costume) they do not enjoy, Halloween can be a stressful holiday for dogs, puppies and other pets. Below are some tips for dog owners to minimize stress for their pets this season.

1. Do not force your dog into wearing a costume. If you want to dress your dog in an outfit, please make should make sure your dog is comfortable in it BEFORE Halloween night. Dogs will communicate this with their bodies.  Some signs of your dog being comfortable include:  relaxed body muscles; loose lips or even open mouth with loose tongue; rhythmic panting. If wearing an outfit causes your dog to feel stressed, he may be more likely to become reactive – especially when on a leash, in the dark, with so many strange sights and sounds and kids running around. Some signs that a dog is not comfortable include: his tail may be down, his body may be tight, he may have a tense mouth, you will see the whites on the sides of his eyes, his ears may be back, he may yawn or lick his chops. Additionally, make sure your pet can move freely in the outfit and remove any parts that can be taken off and chewed or swallowed. An alternative to putting a full body costume on your dog is giving your dog a colorful bandana around the collar. This pumpkin piece that Dawson is wearing simply has two velcro strips that attach on the bottom so it feels no different to him than wearing a harness that he is used to.
2. Exercise your dog well BEFORE Trick-or-Treater time. If your dog is tired, he will value rest more.
3. The best place for your dog during trick-or treat hours is in a quiet, stress free room. Even dogs who are not frightened by costumes and noises can become over stimulated by the constant barrage of people ringing your doorbell and then standing and/or talking (or yelling) just outside. You may also get trick-or-treaters who are either frightened by your dog or who try to grab your dog. Your dog may also try to grab at costumes. Better to be safe than sorry.
4. Sit outside with your candy. Instead of having kids ring your doorbell over and over, consider sitting at your street with your candy. In addition to the fun you will have seeing all of the activity, your dog will not have to hear the noises.
5. If necessary, ask your vet about calming medication.

If you do want your dog to interact with Trick-or-Treaters

6. Practice teaching your puppy and dog positive associations with the sight of costumes and decorations in advance. Just in case your dog or puppy sees costumes and yard decorations (if you have children, more than likely your pet will see them before they head out to the streets), you can begin the process of teaching your pet a feel-good response to seeing the strange sights long before the holiday. Gradually expose your pet to that potentially scary thing, only at a pace where your dog still has loose muscles, and pair the sight with something of high value to your dog like food
7. Teach your dog manners behaviors IN ADVANCE of Halloween. If your dog is going to be greeting trick-or-treaters, teach your dog his manners behaviors before the busy night with a lot of practice using positive reinforcement and increasing difficult distractions.
8. Keep Halloween candy out of reach of your pet. Many treats are toxic to non-human animals. If you suspect your pet has eaten candy, call your veterinarian right away.