10/31/2025
Taking your dog trick-or-treating can be a fun bonding experience, but safety should come first—especially with all the costumes, crowds, and candy around. Here are some smart ways to keep your pup safe and happy during Halloween outings:
🎃 Before You Go
- ID Tags & Microchip: Make sure your dog is wearing a collar with up-to-date ID tags. A microchip is even better in case they get lost.
- Costume Check: If your dog wears a costume, ensure it’s comfortable, breathable, and doesn’t restrict movement, vision, or hearing. Avoid dangling parts they might chew or trip over.
- Leash Up: Use a sturdy leash (preferably reflective) and harness. Even well-trained dogs can get spooked by costumes or loud noises.
🚶♂️ While Trick-or-Treating
- Stay Visible: Add reflective gear or glow accessories to your dog’s outfit so drivers and pedestrians can see them.
- Avoid Crowds: Stick to quieter streets or go early to avoid overwhelming your dog with noise, flashing lights, or excited kids.
- Watch the Ground: Keep an eye out for dropped candy, wrappers, or decorations that could be harmful if ingested.
- Skip Scary Houses: Avoid homes with loud sound effects, fog machines, or animatronics that might frighten your dog.
🍬 After the Fun
- No Candy: Keep all Halloween treats out of reach—especially chocolate, xylitol (found in sugar-free gum), and raisins, which are toxic to dogs.
- Check for Stress: Watch for signs of anxiety like panting, whining, or tail-tucking. Give them a quiet space to decompress.
- Hydrate & Rest: Offer fresh water and let them relax after the excitement.
If your shelter is doing a Halloween-themed adoption event, you could even turn these tips into a flyer or social post—maybe with a cute dog in costume and a headline like “Tricks for a Safe Treat Night!” Want help designing that?
