Why you probably shouldn’t take your dog trick or treating

Halloween is a growing tradition in the UK, with many streets welcoming trick or treaters in festive costumes. If you're planning on heading out with your children to collect sweets, it might be tempting to take your dog along or let your kids bring the dog. However, for the majority of dogs and their families, it’s safer and kinder to leave pets at home on Halloween night. This article explains why, offering insight into your pet's wellbeing during this lively event.

Your dog can be unnerved by costumes and excitement

Halloween costumes are often bright, unusual, and sometimes scary to humans – and the same applies to dogs. Your dog might find the strange appearances, scents, and energetic behaviour of excited children and adults stressful or frightening. Even well-meaning excitement can cause anxiety in your dog, potentially leading to unpredictable behaviour. Giving them a quiet, familiar environment is key to keeping them calm.

Most dogs dislike wearing costumes

While dressing up can be fun for people, costumes can confuse, frighten, or restrict your dog, affecting their movement and body language. They might also make dogs too hot and attract more attention than the dog enjoys. Veterinary and animal welfare experts discourage putting dogs in elaborate costumes. If you want your dog to join in, safer and more comfortable options include using festive collars or bandanas.

Busy pavements and crowds pose risks

On Halloween, pavements are often busy with groups of trick or treaters, which means close contact with strangers and other dogs. Dogs may feel overwhelmed or threatened by unfamiliar costumes, loud noises, or sudden movements. Crowded conditions can also increase the chance of your dog getting stepped on, tangled in leads, or becoming stressed.

Fireworks and loud noises cause alarm

Although Bonfire Night is a few days after Halloween, many people set off fireworks on Halloween itself. Sudden loud bangs and flashing lights can be terrifying to dogs, especially when they're outside and away from the safety of their home. Keeping your dog indoors in a quiet, safe place during these times helps avoid panic, injury, or escape attempts.

Hazards from sweets and food

Halloween is all about sweets, but many treats are toxic to dogs, including chocolate and products containing xylitol or raisins. There will likely be dropped candy and well-meaning visitors offering food to your dog. This creates a real risk of accidental poisoning. Keeping your dog at home under supervision protects them from ingesting dangerous substances. Remember to store your Halloween treats securely away from pets too.

Split attention compromises safety

Trick or treating requires parental vigilance. Trying to supervise energetic children and a nervous or curious dog simultaneously can strain your focus, increasing the risk of accidents or escapes. With distractions everywhere, your dog’s safety and comfort may be unintentionally overlooked. It's best to dedicate your full attention where it's most needed: ensuring your children have a safe and happy Halloween.

Not everyone is comfortable around dogs

While many households enjoy having canine visitors, not everyone shares this sentiment. Some people may be allergic, fearful of dogs, or have their own pets who could be stressed by an unfamiliar dog. Bringing your dog to doorsteps without prior notice can cause discomfort or stress for others. Out of courtesy and respect, it’s advisable to keep your dog at home during the event.

Your dog is not a security guard

Some might consider taking a dog trick or treating for added security, especially if children go out alone. However, dogs are not trained security systems, and relying on a dog for protection in unsupervised situations can be unsafe both for the dog and the child. If safety concerns are significant, reconsider allowing children to go out alone in the first place and seek safer alternatives.

Halloween safety tips to consider for your dog

If you do decide to involve your dog in Halloween festivities, consider these safety steps:

• Use a well-fitted, non-restrictive collar or festive bandana instead of a full costume to reduce stress.
• Keep your dog on a secure lead and close to you to avoid escapes and unexpected encounters.
• Choose quieter neighbourhoods or earlier times to walk your dog, avoiding heavy trick or treating periods.
• Offer a comforting, quiet area at home with their favourite toys and bedding away from noisy doorbells and visitors.
• Ensure your dog is microchipped and wearing ID tags in case they become lost.
• Never allow your dog to eat Halloween sweets or unknown treats.

Final thoughts

Halloween is an exciting time with lots of noises, costumes, and crowds — environments that can easily overstimulate, confuse, or frighten your dog. Although sharing activities with pets is a wonderful part of responsible ownership, sometimes the safest and kindest choice is to let your dog enjoy a calm, secure environment at home while you and your family celebrate. Prioritising your dog’s safety and emotional wellbeing ensures that they remain comfortable and stress-free, leaving you free to fully enjoy the fun with your loved ones.

For families looking to bring new dogs into their lives, remember to consider breeds that suit your lifestyle and environment, and find puppies from reputable breeders or trusted rescue organisations to ensure responsible ownership from the start.

Enjoy a happy, safe Halloween with your family and pets!

Useful resource: Learn how to keep your dog safe this Halloween from Dog’s Trust.