How to Keep Your Dog Calm on Halloween

Halloween can be great fun for the family, but all those doorbells, unfamiliar faces and spooky costumes can be confusing for dogs. A parade of trick-or-treaters may feel like a lot to deal with, especially for dogs who are unsure around visitors or easily startled.

A little preparation can help make Halloween calmer for your dog, and easier for everyone at the door.

Set up a quiet space away from the front door

If your dog finds visitors exciting or worrying, make them a comfortable place to settle away from the entrance. This could be their usual bed, a favourite room or a cosy corner where they can retreat whenever they want.

Keep the space familiar and let your dog choose whether to stay there. If a stair gate would help keep them away from the front door, use one only if your dog is already comfortable with it.

Make a plan for trick-or-treaters

Your dog may not recognise people in masks or elaborate costumes, even if they know them well. Try not to let your dog greet visitors at the door if they might feel uneasy, and ask trick-or-treaters not to approach or touch them.

If repeated knocking is likely to be stressful, you could put a friendly note on your gate asking people not to knock and leave a bowl of sweets outside instead. Keep your dog safely indoors, and take care each time you open the door so they can’t slip out in the excitement.

Keep routines familiar

Where you can, stick to your dog’s usual routine. A walk and toilet break before the busiest part of the evening can help them settle indoors. Feed their main meal before trick-or-treating begins, so they can eat in a quieter moment.

Close curtains if movement outside is making your dog alert, and put on the TV or some familiar music to soften the sound of doorbells and voices.

Give them something positive to do

A favourite activity can help keep a dog occupied while the door is busy. Try a familiar food puzzle, a scatter of their usual food, or a chew they already enjoy. Don’t worry if your dog isn’t interested, some dogs would rather rest or hide when there’s a lot happening.

Dewkes Calm & Relax Treats can be offered as part of a quiet-time routine. They’re complementary treats made with duck and chicken, plus chamomile and lavender.

For dogs who enjoy chewing, Beefy Sticks or a Natural Coffee Wood Dog Chew may provide an engaging activity to keep them distracted from what's going on. Choose a chew that suits your dog, supervise them while they chew, and follow the product guidance. If your dog seems worried or won’t take food, give them space rather than trying to persuade them.

Keep Halloween treats out of reach

Chocolate and many sweets aren’t suitable for dogs, and wrappers can be tempting too. Keep trick-or-treating bowls, bags and dropped sweets well out of reach, and ask children not to share their Halloween haul with the dog.

Let your dog decide what feels safe

Some dogs will happily snooze through Halloween; others may want to keep their distance from visitors. Let your dog choose where they feel comfortable, stay calm yourself, and don’t tell them off for barking, hiding or seeming unsettled.

If your dog’s fear is severe or getting worse, speak to your vet for advice. With a quiet place, a little planning and an activity your dog enjoys, you can help make Halloween feel less spooky for them.