Halloween is a blast for people. For dogs, it can be a lot. The doorbell rings every few minutes, strangers in masks appear on the stoop, the streets fill with noise and there's candy everywhere. Even the most laid-back pup can end the night anxious and overwhelmed.
The good news: a little planning goes a long way. Here's how to keep your dog calm on Halloween, from the week before to the moment the last trick-or-treater heads home.
Why Halloween stresses dogs out
Dogs thrive on routine, and Halloween breaks almost all of it. Common stressors include:
• Constant doorbells and knocking, which most dogs read as an alarm
• Costumes, masks and face paint that make familiar people look strange
• Crowds and noise on the street, especially in busy city neighborhoods
• Wearing a costume themselves, which can feel restrictive
• A disrupted schedule, with later dinners, missed walks and lots of activity at home
Newly adopted rescue dogs and senior dogs can be especially sensitive, since they're still learning their surroundings or may have less tolerance for change.
Signs your dog is stressed
Know what to watch for so you can step in early:
• Panting or drooling when it isn't hot
• Pacing, trembling or hiding
• Ears pinned back or tail tucked
• Lip licking, yawning or showing the whites of their eyes
• Excessive barking, whining or growling
• Trying to escape or bolting for the door
If you see these signs, move your dog somewhere quieter and give them time to settle.
Before Halloween
1. Practice with the doorbell. Play doorbell and knocking sounds at a low volume during the week before Halloween, rewarding your dog for staying calm. Gradually raise the volume over several sessions.
2. Do costume trial runs. If your dog will wear a costume, let them try it for a few minutes at a time with treats and praise. If they freeze, scratch at it or try to back out of it, skip the costume. A festive bandana works just as well. (Need ideas? See our Halloween costume ideas for dogs.)
3. Check their ID. With the front door opening all night, escapes happen. Make sure your dog's collar has a current ID tag and their microchip registration has your up-to-date contact info.
4. Set up a safe space. Choose a quiet room away from the front door. Add their bed or crate, a favorite blanket, water and a few comfort items. Let your dog spend time there in the days before so it feels familiar.
On Halloween night
5. Tire them out early. A long walk or play session in the afternoon helps burn off energy before the action starts. Try to finish walks before dark, when the crowds and costumes come out.
6. Feed dinner before trick-or-treating begins. A full belly and a normal mealtime help keep the evening feeling routine.
7. Keep your dog away from the door. Settle them in their safe space before the first knock. A baby gate, closed door or crate prevents door-dashing and keeps them from getting overwhelmed by visitors.
8. Mask the noise. Turn on calming music, a white noise machine or the TV to muffle doorbells, knocks and street noise.
9. Give them something to chew. Chewing is one of the ways dogs naturally relieve stress, and it gives them something to focus on besides the commotion. A long-lasting chew like a BetterBone or a frozen lick mat can keep your dog busy and content in their safe space. Our natural, nylon-free chews come in Soft, Medium and Hard densities, so there's an option for every chewer.
10. Rethink the doorbell. If your dog is very reactive, skip the doorbell entirely. Sit outside with a candy bowl, leave a bowl on the stoop or hang a "please don't knock" sign.
11. Stay calm yourself. Dogs pick up on our energy. Keep your voice relaxed and upbeat, and reward calm behavior with quiet praise and treats.
12. Keep candy and decorations out of reach. Chocolate, raisins and sugar-free candy containing xylitol are toxic to dogs, and wrappers can cause blockages. Keep candy bowls up high and skip open candles, glow sticks and decorations with small parts your dog could chew. If you think your dog ate something dangerous, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
After the trick-or-treaters leave
Do a quick sweep of your home and stoop for dropped candy and wrappers. Then give your dog some low-key time together, like a short quiet walk, a cuddle on the couch or a fresh chew, to help them wind down.
If your dog struggles with severe anxiety on Halloween, the Fourth of July or other noisy holidays, talk to your veterinarian. They can recommend a behaviorist, calming supplements or medication if needed.
A calmer Halloween for every dog
Not every dog needs to join the party, and that's okay. Some pups are happiest dressed up and greeting trick-or-treaters; others would rather spend the night in a cozy room with a good chew. Follow your dog's lead and you'll both have a happier Halloween.
Celebrating your first Halloween with a newly adopted dog? October is also Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. Read about our partnership with Every Last One Rescue and how you can help NYC shelter dogs find their homes.
Happy (and calm) Halloween from all of us at BetterBone! 🎃
Why is my dog scared on Halloween? Halloween brings constant doorbells, strangers in costumes, street noise and a disrupted routine. Many dogs read these as threats, which can cause anxiety, barking or hiding.
How do I stop my dog from barking at trick-or-treaters? Keep your dog in a quiet room away from the front door, play music or white noise to mask doorbells, and give them a long-lasting chew to focus on. You can also skip the doorbell by sitting outside with candy or leaving a bowl on the stoop.
Should I bring my dog trick-or-treating? Only if your dog is confident around crowds and costumes. If you do, keep them on a short leash, go early before it gets dark and busy, and head home at the first signs of stress.
What are signs of stress in dogs? Common signs include panting, pacing, trembling, hiding, a tucked tail, pinned ears, lip licking, yawning and excessive barking or whining.
Can chewing help calm a dog? Yes. Chewing is a natural way for dogs to relieve stress, and a safe, long-lasting chew gives them a comforting activity to focus on during noisy or busy events.
What should I do if my dog eats Halloween candy? Chocolate, raisins and candy with xylitol are toxic to dogs. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 right away.
