Good Advice

Dogs at Halloween: keeping your dog calm

13/11/2025

Home Good Advice Wellbeing Dogs At Halloween Keeping Your Dog Calm

Does your dog feel anxious with the loud noises and costumes? We have some expert advice to reduce stress for dogs at Halloween. 

Why does my dog get stressed at Halloween? 

Halloween can be a fun time for families, but it can also be unsettling for dogs. A constant stream of doorbell rings and knocks can make them feel anxious, and costumes, masks and painted faces can be confusing or even frightening since dogs rely on reading our facial expressions. Some dogs are also dressed up in costumes that may feel uncomfortable or restrictive, which can add to their stress. 

Is my dog stressed? 

Stress can be a response to a stimulus from the surrounding environment. It is a natural response that prepares body and mind for a reaction or as an instinctive alert to something threatening.  

External things which your dog could encounter at Halloween can include (but are not limited to):  

  • the presence of new unfamiliar people 

  • unknown objects 

  • loud noises 

  • any of the above that have caused bad experiences in the past (e.g. manhandling from a person, fireworks etc.)
     

Some signs of stress in dogs include: 

  • Fiddle – scratching, sneezing, slow wagging tail, frantic spinning 

  • Displacement behaviours – slow circling, ‘grinning’, cowering, showing whites on eyes 

  • Flight – withdrawing, trying to escape 

  • Freeze – stiff body posture, reduced breathing rate, straight and rigid tail 

  • Fight – air snapping, baring teeth, biting, crouching, barking 

Read about how to recognise the many signs of stress in dogs here. 

Stress-busting advice for dogs at Halloween 

Kong dog toy

  1. Take them for a walk early - Try to take your dog out for their walk before it gets dark to avoid running into too many costumes, which can confuse or unsettle them. Giving your dog plenty of exercise earlier in the day will also help them feel more relaxed and calm throughout the evening. 

  1. Distract them from loud noises - Putting on the radio or TV can help mask the sound of people outside and reduce your dog’s stress levels. You can also do a few gentle “trial runs” in the days leading up to Halloween by ringing the doorbell and rewarding your dog with a tasty treat when they stay calm. If the sound still worries them, consider switching off or temporarily removing the doorbell for the evening.

    You could also prepare a Kong with some of their dinner to give them during the busiest trick-or-treat times. A long-lasting chew can work just as well, helping to keep them focused and relaxed while distractions are happening outside. Read more on how to prepare your dog for fireworks here. 

  1. Get familiar with your costume - If people in your household are dressing up for Halloween, let your dog or puppy see and sniff the costumes beforehand. Put masks on in front of them and turn it into a positive experience by offering treats and gentle praise. This helps them understand that even though you look different, you’re still the same familiar person.

    Remind any visitors, children or adults, not to stand over your dog or approach them suddenly. Sudden movements or looming figures can feel intimidating, so keeping interactions calm and gentle will help your dog stay relaxed. 

  1. Keep some treats handy - You could keep a pot of dog treats by the door so that, if your dog greets visitors calmly and happily, your Halloween guests can offer them a treat, as long as they’re comfortable doing so. This helps create positive associations with visitors arriving and reinforces your dog’s good behaviour. 

  1. Only dress them in their collar - Most dogs don’t enjoy wearing costumes, and some outfits can even be unsafe, especially around candles or decorations. Costumes can also make some dogs feel anxious or restricted. Instead, you could opt for a Halloween-themed collar or lead so your dog can still join in the fun safely. Just remember to transfer their ID tag to any new collar so that, if they were to slip away unexpectedly, they can be quickly and safely returned to you. 

Safety tips for dogs at Halloween 

It’s very important to keep chocolate, sweets and their wrappers safely out of your dog’s reach. Many treats, especially those containing chocolate or xylitol (an artificial sweetener), are highly toxic to dogs. 

Candles in pumpkins or around the home can also pose a risk to curious noses and wagging tails. Try using battery-powered candles instead to keep things festive and safe. 

Find out other food items that are poisonous to dogs.

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