For many, Halloween is the best day of the year. You get to dress up as your favorite character and go for a walk to get delicious treats. More and more people are involving their pets in the Halloween festivities. If you are planning on doing this, then there are some tips you will want to keep in mind from dog food to costumes and everything in between.
Tips for the Costume
The first thing you will want to think about is whether or not your dog is comfortable wearing a  costume. There are many dogs who like to be au natural, 
which is perfectly fine. You do not want to force a dog who does not want to wear a costume to do so as this will cause undue stress which is never healthy for a dog (or person).
If you do choose to put your pup in a costume, make sure it fits them properly. Restrictive costumes can injure your dog when worn for long periods of time just as costumes that are too big can cause a tripping hazard for the dog. Be sure that their tags are on even with the costume in the event that they get loose. It is also helpful to have your dog wear the costume several times before the big night so they are comfortable in it.
Staying at Home
If you plan to stay at home with your pet and hand out candy you can still dress your dog up. Trick or treaters love to see your dog all dressed up as this is part of the fun with the holiday. Here are a few tips to consider:
- Put down dog food before people start showing up. Eating the dog food beforehand can help to make your dog more calm.
- Also, take your dog outside before as well so this is not an issue.
- If you have pumpkins, be sure to use flameless candles in them to keep your dog from knocking them over.
- Some people find it helpful to start working with their dog a few days before by continually knocking on the door or ringing the bell so the dog is not too stressed when the day arrives.
- For dogs that are easily stressed out, create a calm space for them or even invest in a thundershirt.
Going Around the Neighborhood
When you go trick or treating, it can be a lot of fun to take your dog with you. While your dog cannot eat candy- especially the chocolate kind- this does not mean that they cannot enjoy the night themselves. Many pet parents choose to make small healthy treats for their dog. This dog food gives them something they can give to people who want to feed their dog during the night.
It is also a good idea to have someone go with you. This way there is one person watching the children and one watching the dogs. You want to make sure you are aware of your surroundings which is hard in the dark and two sets of eyes are better than one. Also, make sure you have doggie bags in the event that your pup has to potty while out.
Finally, having a well trained dog is imperative to creating a safe and fun environment on Halloween. Your dog should know basic commands, such as leave it in the event that they come across candy or other items they should not have. With the right dog food and attention to detail you can have a fun and safe night on Halloween.
All images in the blog are from our Pinterest board.
