How to celebrate Howl-oween with your pup

Of course we want to celebrate the holidays with our four-legged best friends. (After all, they’re family!) But when our pups don’t keep track of the calendar date or understand human traditions like we do, how can we know if they actually want to join the festivities?

The answer is a little complicated: It depends.

Here’s 1) how to tell if your pup is up for some classic celebrations and 2) how to turn your regular old Halloween into a dog-friendly “Howl-oween” you’ll both love!

Spooky season can stress our dogs out

First things first: As caretakers, it’s our job to realize that some holiday happenings can be stressful for our pets. Dogs don’t automatically interpret activities and environments the same way we do! And we lack a shared, abstract verbal language to be able to tell them what’s going on ahead of time.

(For more insight into your pup’s canine brain, take a look at five core concepts that will help you better understand your dog.)

Do dogs like wearing Halloween costumes?

Dogs in Halloween costumes are adorable. (Yesterday I spent twenty minutes in the costume aisle of a big-name pet store, ogling at all the options.) In recent years, pet parents have spent just shy of a billion dollars—a whopping $700 million—just on spooky-season costumes for our companions.

But not all dogs feel comfortable in clothing. And the potential for our pups to feel trapped, stressed, or just plain frustrated is higher with bulkier costumes. Here’s everything you need to know about choosing an outfit your pup will like.

Trick-or-treaters startle some pups

Some dogs are social butterflies who believe every guest is a visitor just for them. Others would rather never hear the doorbell go off at all. (And both are perfectly normal social preferences! Different dogs—depending on their breed, early experiences, and a range of other factors—have different feelings about strangers, especially on their home turf.)

If your dog is particularly gregarious? There’s a chance trick-or-treating could be a fun chance for them to say hello to the kids in your neighborhood. But even then: In the eyes of most pups, people look weird on Halloween. We cover our faces with masks. We carry fairy princess wands and candy collection bags. We use spooky, strange voices. It’s reasonable for any dog to be a little overwhelmed!

There are several ways you can set your dog up for success when trick-or-treaters come around:

• Set up a separate room, crate, or other safe space for your pup to hang out in while you answer the door. White noise and visual barriers can be especially helpful for nervous dogs!
• If weather permits, hand out candy on your porch, front step, or in your yard while your dog relaxes inside your house.
• Make sure your dog can easily create space from strangers they find spooky. Avoid constraining them near any commotion with a leash or other barrier.

Corn mazes, farmers markets, and festivals can be a lot to take in

I love venturing out to local events for all the autumn vibes. My dog, on the other hand? She’d rather hang out with a small group of people she knows well in a much quieter environment. And she’s different from my parents’ dog, who just loves to be included in family activities—even if they’re a little chaotic.

Here’s how to tell if your dog will really enjoy tagging along with you to a pet-friendly gathering, and some helpful advice if you decide to bring them!

How to have a happy Howl-oween

The following ideas are almost always a hit with our four-legged family members.

Spend time with your dog in nature this fall

Chilly weather can actually make for great hiking adventures. You don’t need to worry about your dog overheating! (Still: Pack water on long walks just in case.) You can also crunch through piles of leaves with your pup, play outside with a Halloween-themed toy (or large, sturdy stick), or simply lounge in a park to watch the world go by.

Share some Halloween-inspired snacks

Dogs can safely eat plain pumpkin, apples, and more. Find a longer list in our autumn enrichment roundup!

DIY enrichment activities

Need some further inspiration? We’ve got you covered with a guide full of 101 Easy Dog Enrichment Ideas plus a whole category of enrichment-focused articles—all written by pet parents, for pet parents. With a few tweaks, so many activities can be made extra special for this time of year!

Every dog has their own personality and preferences

Remember: Each dog is an individual. You know your pup best! This season and every season, prioritize the activities your dog enjoys most—and don’t be afraid to skip the ones they won’t.