Trick or Treating with Dogs: Everything You Need to Know

As Halloween approaches, the excitement surrounding the mounds of candy to be collected and costume ideas grows. When your family heads out on Halloween in your neighborhood it is totally appropriate–and often encouraged–to bring your dogs along with you. Here are some of our tips and tricks (and treats!) to have a fun and successful Halloween with your pup in tow. 

Check Your Dog’s Temperament

Before you embark on your Halloween adventure, consider whether your dog will even like going trick or treating. Not all dogs will like being in busy environments filled with spooky costumes, loud noises, bright lawn decorations, and screaming children. If your dog is anxious or reactive, it may be best to leave them at home where they feel secure.

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Costume Choices

If you decide to dress up your dog, make sure the costume is comfortable and won’t restrict their movement. Avoid costumes with small parts that could be chewed off and swallowed, or those that may cause your dog to trip. A quick and easy costume can be bat wings or a close fitting cap. A well-fitted harness can be a great alternative to a collar if you want them to sport a festive look while ensuring they’re secure on their leash.

Leash and ID

Always keep your dog on a leash while trick-or-treating, even if your dog has great recall, the new environment can cause them to bolt. Make sure your dog has a proper ID tag with your contact information on it, and for an added layer of protection, you can put an Apple Airtag on their collar so if they do run off, you can easily locate them. 

Stay Hydrated

Halloween festivities can be lengthy, so remember to keep your pup hydrated. Bring along a portable water bowl and fresh water. Even though it’s fall, be sure to watch for signs of fatigue or overheating, and take breaks as needed.

Stick to Familiar Routes

To minimize stress, choose a trick-or-treating route that your dog is familiar with. This can help them feel more secure in the Halloween festivities. Avoid highly chaotic areas where the noise and unpredictability could overwhelm your pup.

Plan for Breaks

Make sure to incorporate short breaks into your trick-or-treating route. This will give your dog a chance to sniff around, relieve themselves, and recharge. A little downtime can keep your pup calm and engaged throughout the evening! If your dog starts to show signs of stress or discomfort, and a break doesn’t seem to do the trick, don’t hesitate to call it a night, or take your dog home so you can head back out with your trick or treaters. 

Be Mindful of Treats

A lot of people will just leave the candy on their doorstep, so be sure to watch your dog so they don’t steal any harmful or toxic treats. Once you get home with your candy haul, place it somewhere out of reach from your dog’s snoot. 

Halloween is a day we all look forward to all year long, and it is a great chance to have a fun night out with the whole family–pups included! If you keep these simple tips in mind you are sure to have a spooktacular Halloween!

Happy Halloween!