🎃 Taming the Howls – A 2025 Halloween Anxiety Guide for Dogs by Dr Duncan Houston

For us, Halloween is all fun and treats—but for dogs, it can be a night of fear and confusion. Unusual noises, strange costumes, and bursts of activity can trigger anxiety in even the most confident pup. In this 2025 guide, Dr Duncan Houston shares actionable tips to keep your dog calm and safe on Halloween. 🐶👻

👂 1. Understand What Scares Dogs on Halloween

• 🔊 Noises: Doorbells, fireworks, and giggles can be overwhelming
• 👃 Smells: New decorations, candies, and candles introduce strange scents
• 👀 Sights: Masks, glowing costumes, and large crowds can confuse and frighten

🛡️ 2. Prep Early to Build Confidence

• 🪟 Use window film to block visual triggers on busy streets
• 🏠 Create a “safe haven”—a cozy room with their bed, toys, water, and low lighting
• 🏨 Consider overnight boarding if your dog is terrified of strangers or noise

🦴 3. Halloween Night Game Plan

• 🚪 Keep them indoors in their safe zone with white noise or calming music
• 🆔 Double check ID tags and microchip info in case they slip out
• 🧸 Offer new treats or puzzle toys to keep them focused and distracted
• 🧘 Use calming aids like pheromone sprays, lick mats, or vet-approved wraps

🍬 4. Treat Your Dog Too

While you're handing out candy, give your dog something special:

• 🦴 Dog-safe treats or chews
• 🧩 A new enrichment toy
• 🍗 Frozen Kong with peanut butter or pumpkin purée

Note: Keep ALL candy (especially chocolate and xylitol) far out of reach! 🚫

👗 5. Dress-Up Dos and Don’ts

• ✅ Choose comfy, breathable costumes that don’t restrict movement or vision
• 🧪 Do a test run before Halloween so they can get used to the costume
• 🚫 Never leave your dog unsupervised in costume—chewing or choking risks apply!

🕸️ 6. Watch the Decor

• ⚠️ Keep wires, candles, fake cobwebs, and plastic props out of reach
• 🧼 Avoid anything with dangling pieces that can be chewed or swallowed

💛 Final Advice from Dr Duncan Houston

Halloween is thrilling for humans but confusing for many dogs. With planning, a safe space, and stress-reducing strategies, you can turn it into a night that’s calm, safe, and maybe even fun for your furry friend. 🎃🐾

📲 Need Support? Ask A Vet

Worried your dog’s anxiety is too intense? Download the Ask A Vet app to get real-time advice from veterinary professionals like Dr Duncan Houston. We’re here to help you keep every holiday tail-wagging. 🐕📱