Halloween is just around the corner, and it’s not just for kids anymore—our four-legged friends love to join the fun too! For those of us who can’t imagine Halloween without including our loyal pups, trick-or-treating together is a delightful way to celebrate. But it’s important to prioritize both safety and comfort for our pets. Here are five essential tips to ensure you and your dog have a safe and stylish Halloween.
1. Choose the Right Costume for Comfort and Safety
Before dressing up your dog in an adorable costume, check that it's comfortable and safe. Look for costumes that allow natural movement, are non-restrictive, and don’t interfere with breathing, sight, or hearing. Avoid costumes with small parts that could be easily chewed off or swallowed. Also, try it on before Halloween night to make sure your pup is comfortable and confident wearing it.
Tip: Consider Kiigy’s pup-friendly kangaroo hoodies as an easy, cozy costume option! They keep your pup close to you while adding a festive, practical element to their Halloween wardrobe.
2. Keep Them Visible
With the shorter fall days, it gets dark quickly, which can make trick-or-treating hazardous for pets. Make sure your dog is visible to others by adding reflective accessories or LED lights to their costume. A reflective leash or collar is a great addition to keep them safe and easy to spot.
Safety Tip: Reflective gear not only keeps your pup visible to you but also to drivers and other trick-or-treaters in the dark.
3. Be Mindful of the Candy
Candy is a big part of Halloween, but it’s essential to remember that many treats are dangerous for dogs. Chocolate, xylitol (a common sugar substitute), and many other Halloween treats can be toxic to dogs. Keep an eye on the ground for dropped candy, and make sure your dog doesn’t eat any treats handed out during your walk.
Alternative Tip: Bring a few of your pup’s favorite treats with you so they can enjoy a safe treat along the way!
4. Choose Pet-Friendly Halloween Routes
Halloween can be overwhelming for dogs with all the costumes, noises, and extra foot traffic. Opt for quieter neighborhoods or parks where your pup can walk comfortably without feeling overwhelmed. Keep an eye out for how they’re feeling—if they seem anxious, it might be time to call it a night.
Pro Tip: Bring along a familiar blanket or toy if your pup is prone to anxiety. This can help them feel secure in unfamiliar settings.
5. Ensure Your Dog Is Leashed and ID-Tagged
Halloween is a night full of excitement, but that can lead to distractions for both pets and owners. Make sure your dog is always on a leash, even if they’re usually well-behaved off-leash. Ensure their ID tags are up to date with your contact information, so they can be quickly returned if they get lost.
Bonus Tip: For a stylish twist, look for Halloween-themed leashes or collars that add a festive touch without compromising safety.