Trick or treat: how you should prepare your dog for Halloween

Lucy Howells, Vet Nurse at Butternut Box, provides practical advice on helping dogs navigate the increased activity and unusual sounds of Halloween night while maintaining their comfort and well-being.

"Halloween presents several elements that can be unsettling for dogs," explains Lucy, Vet Nurse at Butternut Box. "The constant doorbell ringing, unfamiliar voices, unusual costumes, and general disruption to evening routines can create anxiety for pets who thrive on predictability. However, with some thoughtful preparation, most dogs can remain comfortable throughout the evening."

"Dogs are naturally alert to changes in their environment, so the increased activity around the home triggers their protective instincts. Rather than trying to suppress these natural responses, we can work with them by creating positive associations and providing appropriate outlets for their energy."

👻 Pre-Halloween Preparation Tips:

"The key to a calm Halloween lies in preparation that begins well before the evening itself," advises Lucy. "Dogs benefit enormously from gradual exposure to Halloween-related sounds and activities, allowing them to adjust at their own pace."

Practice Doorbell Scenarios: "In the days and weeks leading up to Halloween, practice having family members ring the doorbell and come to the door in costume. Reward calm behaviour with treats and praise, helping your dog associate these sounds with positive experiences."

Create a Safe Space: "Identify a quiet room away from the front door where your dog can retreat if they feel overwhelmed. Make this space comfortable with their favourite bedding, toys, and perhaps some background music to mask outdoor sounds."

Maintain Normal Routines: "Keep feeding times, walks, and other daily routines as normal as possible. Dogs find comfort in familiar schedules, especially when other aspects of their environment are changing."

Exercise Earlier in the Day: "Ensure your dog gets adequate physical exercise before Halloween evening begins. A well-exercised dog is generally calmer and more likely to settle when activity increases around the home."

🚪 Doorbell Management Techniques:

"Constant doorbell ringing is often the most challenging aspect of Halloween for dogs," notes Lucy. "Rather than expecting dogs to ignore this completely unnatural level of activity, we can help them manage their responses more effectively."

Positive Distraction: "When the doorbell rings, immediately engage your dog with a favourite activity - perhaps working on a puzzle toy or practising familiar commands with high-value treats. This redirects their focus from the door to something rewarding."

Controlled Responses: "If your dog typically barks at the door, allow one or two warning barks, then redirect their attention. Acknowledge their alertness with phrases like 'thank you' before asking for calm behaviour."

Strategic Positioning: "Consider answering the door yourself rather than allowing your dog to rush to the entrance. You can keep them engaged in another room while you distribute treats to trick-or-treaters."

Background Sound: "Gentle background music or television can help mask the intensity of outdoor sounds without completely drowning them out, which might make dogs more startled when sounds do break through."

"Most dogs can learn to manage Halloween stress with patience and practice," notes Lucy. "However, some dogs experience severe anxiety that goes beyond normal alertness to unusual activity."

Signs That May Indicate Need for Additional Support:

• Destructive behaviour or attempts to escape
• Excessive panting, drooling, or trembling that persists
• Complete inability to settle despite comfort measures
• Aggressive responses to costumes or strangers

Lucy concludes, "If your dog shows these signs, consult with your vet well before Halloween. There are various support options available, from behavioural training techniques to short-term anxiety management strategies that can make the evening much more comfortable for everyone."

"The goal isn't to eliminate your dog's awareness of Halloween activity, but to help them experience it as manageable rather than overwhelming," reflects Lucy. "Some dogs actually enjoy greeting trick-or-treaters once they understand the routine, while others prefer to observe from a distance. Both approaches are perfectly fine - the key is working with your individual dog's personality and comfort level."

"Halloween evening typically has distinct busy periods, usually early evening when younger children are active," explains Lucy. "Plan to take your dog to their quiet space during the busiest trick-or-treat hours. This isn't punishment - it's providing them with necessary decompression time."

"Each positive Halloween experience helps build your dog's confidence for handling similar situations in the future," concludes Lucy. "The techniques that work for Halloween are valuable skills for managing other celebrations throughout the year. Remember to celebrate the small successes - even short periods of calm during a busy Halloween evening represent genuine progress worth building upon."