Caring for Your Anxious Dog this Halloween

Tips for a Calm and Safe Celebration

Halloween is a spooktacular time filled with costumes, decorations, and delicious treats.

Halloween can be a stressful time for pets, especially those with noise sensitivity or fear of costumes. Halloween comes with loud noises, fireworks and strangers dressed up in costumes. This can cause anxiety for dogs as it is not part of their daily routine. If your dog is already prone to anxiety halloween can heighten it.

At PetsPlus.ie, we understand the importance of keeping your pets safe and comfortable during this festive season. In this blog post, we’ll share valuable tips and tricks to ensure your anxious dog has a stress-free Halloween.

What are the symptoms of dog anxiety?

Symptoms of dog anxiety include

• Excessive Panting
• Trembling
• Isolation and Avoidance
• Excessive Yawning and Licking
• Aggressive or destructive behaviour brought on by fear

What can we do to help our dogs this Halloween?

1. Halloween Decorations:

Decorations can be intimidating for dogs. Ensure that your pup is kept away from decorations that may startle them. It’s also a good idea to secure decorations to prevent them from being knocked over.

2. Create a Safe Retreat:

First and foremost, designate a quiet and comfortable space where your dog can retreat to if they feel overwhelmed such as a crate or a quiet corner with a fluffy calming bed. Fill this area with their favorite toys, blankets, and perhaps a shirt that smells like you for added comfort.

3. Costume Considerations:

While dressing up your dog can be adorable, it’s essential to gauge their comfort level with costumes. Some dogs love it, while others find it distressing.

4. Treats and Training:

Use Halloween as an opportunity for positive reinforcement training. Reward your dog for calm behavior during spooky moments with their favorite treats or toys. This can help them associate Halloween with positive experiences.

5. Keep Your Dog Indoors:

On Halloween night, it’s best to keep your dog indoors to prevent them from getting scared or lost. The sound of fireworks or trick-or-treaters at the door can be unsettling, so make sure your pup is in a secure and quiet area.

6. ID and Microchip:

In case your dog gets spooked and accidentally escapes, ensure they have proper identification and a microchip. A collar with an updated tag and a registered microchip can help reunite you with your furry friend if they become lost.

7. Consider Anxiety Aids:

If your dog’s anxiety is severe, consult with your veterinarian about anxiety aids or medication that may help them stay calm during the Halloween festivities. Explore our calming range including pet remedy, beaphar calming range, calming tablets, cbd drops(only available in store) and more.

8. Respect Their Boundaries:

Finally, always respect your dog’s boundaries. If they show signs of distress, fear, or discomfort, allow them to opt-out of Halloween activities and retreat to their safe space.

Happy & Safe Halloween

Pets Plus Team