The spookiest holiday of the year can be extra fun when it’s celebrated with a four-legged friend by your side. Whether your pet is the quiet, cuddly type or an outgoing party pooch, there are a number of great ways to celebrate the scary season. Here are eight dog-friendly Halloween activities filled with plenty of spooks, light-hearted fun and surprises.
How to Celebrate Halloween With Your Dog
Bake Special Halloween Treats
Halloween doesn’t mean only the children get goodies. While chocolate and candy are unsafe for your pup to consume, it can still enjoy a homemade decadent treat. There are numerous dog-friendly recipes available online that are safe for your dog, including:
- Pumpkin Fro-Yo Bites
- Banana Coconut Bats
- DIY Skeleton Bones
- Canine-Friendly Candy Corn
- DIY Pumpkin Spice Smoothie
Attend a Halloween Pet Parade
Search for local dog-friendly Halloween events. Some communities hold Halloween parades in which pets are invited to showcase their costumes that go beyond the usual doggie sweater. Get creative by dressing you and your furry sidekick in matching outfits. If you can’t find an event in your area, consider throwing your own pet parade by going door to door and putting up signs on community boards to gain participants. Consider asking local businesses to donate prizes for best costume contests.
Go Trick-or-Treating
All Hallows’ Eve for dogs can be fun or frightening, depending on the personality of your pet. If you have an outgoing hound, consider bringing it along with you and your family for a night of trick-or-treating. Your furball can show off its costume with the neighborhood kiddos. Or you can enlist the help of your pooch to pass out candy to trick-or-treaters.
DIY a Spooky Toy
While you can purchase a Halloween-themed toy at a local pet store, you also can make your own with basic household items such as felt, socks, gloves and old T-shirts. Dog toys can be constructed by sewing, braiding, knotting or tying materials together with tennis balls, squeakers and stuffing.
Watch a Scary Movie
The presence of your furry friend can make you feel safe during a nail-biting film — try holding your pup a little tighter during ghastly scenes! Want to get even more into the spirit? Invite a few dog moms and their tail-wagging companions for a screening of your favorite Halloween movie. Set up a room as a home theater with comfy pillows, warm blankets and a self-serve concession stand with plain, air-popped popcorn, bone cookies and other Halloween-themed treats. Don’t forget to take intermissions for bathroom breaks.
Visit a Pet-Friendly Pumpkin Patch
What better way is there to get outside and enjoy the beautiful fall weather than by frolicking in a pumpkin patch? It’s also a great alternative if your canine doesn’t like costumes. Don’t forget to bring a leash to keep your pooch close as you browse for the perfect pumpkin.
Carve a Jack o’ Lantern
Pumpkin carving can be a fun when your companion sits next to you for inspiration. Try decorating your pumpkin with your pooch’s portrait while jamming to a Halloween playlist.
Enjoy a Fall Getaway
Want an escape from the tricks and treats? Bring your pup along on a road trip to see the fall colors or enjoy a weekend at a pet-friendly resort. A mini fall vacation can give you both time to relax and enjoy each other’s company.
These fun dog-friendly Halloween activities can be celebrated with your pooch as yearly traditions. Whether you plan to stay in or be active outside, the spooky season is way more fun (and less scary) when you enjoy it alongside your furry friend.
How will you be celebrating Halloween with your pup this year?
Author bio: Stephanie N. Blahut is Director of Digital Marketing and Technology for Figo Pet Insurance. Figo is committed to helping pets and their families enjoy their lives together by fusing innovative technology — the first-of-its-kind Figo Pet Cloud — and the industry’s best pet insurance plans.
speedyrabbit says
We don’t do much in the UK for Halloween as its more of a kids thing and lowkey at that.But we are going away next week with Speedy to make up for it,xx Rachel and SPeedy
Ivana Kinsley says
My little pups feel shy and fear. He never comes on guest or other dogs. I think he feels fear and shyness. So tell me some ticks how to enjoy or celebrate halloween with timid little pups?