Halloween & Bonfire Night are both exciting & enchanting times for us – we’re in midst of Autumn, the nights are drawing in, and we’re heading for months of festivities in the lead up to Christmas.
But have you ever thought about what it must be like for dogs on Halloween or Bonfire Night?
Halloween top tips
People & children in fancy dress & masks can be very frightening for dogs on Halloween, it’s not something they are exposed to often and it can be difficult for them to interpret different shapes, especially in half-light. It’s best to try and create as much distance as possible in between your dog and anyone in fancy dress, to keep your four-legged friend as relaxed as possible.
Another thing we see a lot of, is people dressing up their dogs in Halloween costumes. Although this can look cute, most dogs don’t find it fun at all. Costumes can be uncomfortable and impractical as they conceal a dog’s body language which impairs their ability to communicate effectively. This can make walks particularly stressful and can lead to issues when interacting with other dogs.
The family home is likely to be a little busier on Halloween night, perhaps the doorbell might be ringing more frequently, or the children are particularly excited from chocolate & sweets! Ensure your dogs on halloween are not forgotten and have plenty of nice things to do, some delicious edible chews, or tasty concoctions, to help them unwind & relax.
Fireworks advice & prep
A dogs hearing is a lot more acute than ours, and fireworks can be incredibly frightening for them! Young dogs can end up with a lifetime of fear of fireworks, if their first impression is bad. Therefore, it’s important to think ahead & plan to ensure your four-legged friends feels safe and as comfortable as possible.
Here are some steps to help you prepare:
Don’t leave your dog alone. If you are going to be out, ensure you have a dog-sitter or friend who can be with your dog.
Turn on a radio or TV channel to ensure there’s constant noise around the house.
Close windows and curtains, to block the noise as far as possible.
Ensure your dog has a variety of places to be & different places to sleep, so they can choose what’s best for them.
Some dogs like to create a den under a bed or sofa, alternatively you can create a quiet space for your dog by adding a duvet/blanket on top of your dog crate (door removed) to create a soundproof space (almost!), with lots of pillows & duvets inside for comfort.
Make sure your dog has lots of things to lick, chew and do. Licking & chewing release feel good endorphins and help dogs to self-soothe.
…Good luck, and do let us know how you get on!