Simple, mindful ways to keep your pup calm, safe, and happy on Halloween night.
With Halloween quickly approaching, it’s easy to forget just how strange this holiday can feel from our dog’s point of view. The doorbell rings nonstop, unfamiliar scents drift in from outside, and the people they know suddenly look and sound different under masks and costumes. The streets fill with laughter, squeals, and flashing lights. Even the most confident dog can find all this unpredictability deeply unsettling.
Many owners recognize that Halloween can be stressful, but don’t always know where to start when it comes to helping their dogs feel secure. The good news? It’s not too late to make a difference. With a few mindful adjustments, you can help your dog feel calm and safe — even during the world’s biggest masquerade party.
But don’t wait until Halloween night to start! Let’s dive in and make a plan to help your dog stay calm, confident, and comfortable when the festivities begin. The bonus? You’ll have a lot more fun when you’re not worried about your dog feeling stressed out.
Create a Scare-Free Comfort Zone for Your Dog
For many dogs, the best way to celebrate Halloween is to create a calm, stress-free space where they can escape the chaos.
My German Shepherd isn’t a fan of commotion, so she naturally chooses her crate in the back room — a space we’ve already established as a calm zone.
To create a new safe spot, you can enhance the environment with features that promote relaxation:
- Calming scents. I use two main products: a grooming spray with lavender and chamomile, and ThunderEase, which contains dog-appeasing pheromones. Always test any scent in a well-ventilated area first — let your dog choose to sniff or walk away. Just like people, dogs have preferences, and the goal is a calming experience they actually enjoy.
- Calming Music can help mask outside noise and even slow a dog’s heart rate. Slower beats, like classical or soft rock, work best. If you have a TV, many stations play videos designed for anxious dogs. Otherwise, a sound machine like the Sound Oasis Pet Bluetooth model offers preloaded relaxing sounds .
- A favoritInclude your dog’s favorite bedding. Make it extra inviting by adding a tested calming scent.
- A favorite chew or treat: Chewing is a self-soothing activity. Make sure the chew is safe and enjoyable for your dog.
Pro Tip: Introduce this safe haven before Halloween. Encourage your dog to spend time there daily, using treats, lick mats, or scent-based games to create positive associations. Try some of the scenting ideas found in last week’s blog if you need some sniffing ideas!
If others are in your home, consider posting a sign on the door to remind people not to knock or disturb your dog. You can even use one of our Halloween printables from the Etsy shop for a festive touch.
Dressing Up The Dog: Is Your Dog Comfortable in Their Costume?
I’ll admit it — dogs in costumes are adorable! But I’m a firm believer that only dogs who are truly comfortable wearing a costume should be dressed up. Otherwise, you’re adding one more stressor to an already overwhelming night.
So how can you tell if your dog is uncomfortable? Some dogs may freeze completely. This may seem funny for a TikTok, but it is terrifying for them. More subtle signs of stress include turning away, licking lips, pinned-back ears, or even yawning. Watch this video to learn how to recognize these stress signals.
If your dog shows any of these signs, take a break! Costumes are cute, but they’re not worth stressing your dog. A Halloween-themed bandana can be just as festive and much less stressful.
If your dog hasn’t met their costume yet, start slowly. Place it on the ground and let them sniff it. They deserve to explore their outfit at their own pace. For dogs who aren’t used to wearing things, try slipping a treat through the neck hole and gently putting it on while they focus on the treat — the same technique used when introducing a harness (demonstrated in this video).
Trick-or-Treaters: Even Social Dogs Need Extra Caution
Even the friendliest, most social dog might not enjoy being approached or petted by someone in a costume, and their comfort can vary from one costume to another. Always pay close attention to your dog’s body language and give them space when needed.
If your dog will be outside during trick-or-treating, now is the perfect time to strengthen the “Leave It” cue and polite greetings. Strengthening these cues in the days leading up to Halloween will help your dog stay safe, confident, and stress-free amid the excitement.
And if you’re unsure whether your dog can handle dropped candy—or a blow-up costume (imagine the temptation to pop a giant dinosaur!)—remember they’ll be perfectly happy inside, as long as you provide a fun, safe space for them.
In Conclusion
So don’t wait until the doorbell starts ringing! Let’s make a plan now to help your dog stay calm and comfortable this Halloween. When your dog feels secure, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the fun, too. After all, the night is far more magical when everyone feels safe and at ease.
And if your dog is happier skipping the chaos, that’s perfectly okay! You can still create a cozy space with calming activities so they can be part of the celebration without the scares.
Wishing everyone a safe, happy, and stress-free Halloween!