How Can You Keep Your Dog Calm on Halloween?

To keep your dog calm on Halloween, set them up in a quiet room away from the front door, mask the doorbell with music or the TV, skip the costume if they're already anxious, keep a leash handy, and make sure they're wearing current ID in case they slip out. Some pet owners also give CBD in the days leading up to the holiday, ideally after talking it over with their veterinarian. Halloween is a fun night for people, but for dogs it's a night of constant doorbell ringing, strangers at the door, unfamiliar costumes, and a completely disrupted routine — a combination that can push even a calm dog into fear, hiding, or an escape attempt.

Think about it for a minute: Halloween is a night full of large numbers of people walking up and down your street, the doorbell is going off every few minutes with strangers on the other side, there’s more noise and commotion outside than usual, and the normal nightly routine is most likely disrupted.

Not to mention the fact that people, potentially including their owner, are all dressed up in strange or scary costumes. All of these things combine to make the evening a scary one indeed for your little furry friend. In addition to making your dog feel uncomfortable, the problem with all of these stressors is that they can cause them to try and hide or escape. With the door constantly opening and closing, this means that dogs may get out of the house and run away.

The question is, what can you do about it to make sure Halloween isn’t a horrible night for your pet and you?

How Can You Reduce Dog Stress on Halloween? 

The most effective steps are separating your dog from the front door, reducing noise, skipping costumes, and keeping them leashed or crated so they can't bolt when the door opens.

• Create a quiet environment – If your dog is an anxious type, then it might be a good idea to put them in a separate room or blocked off area away from the front door. It’s also helpful to put on some soothing music or the TV to make it harder for them to hear and react to the doorbell. Give them their favorite toy to help distract them!
• Use a crate – Similar to using a quiet room or area in your home, if your dog associates their crate with being calm and sleeping, then you may want to put them in it. However, ensure the crate itself is in a quiet room, or else being locked up with constant doorbell ringing could lead to further stress.
• Don’t dress them up – Although it can be exceptionally cute to dress up your pup, if they are already anxious and stressed on Halloween, then it’s probably best to forego a costume. Putting them in unfamiliar or potentially restricting outfits will only serve to stress them out even more.
• Always have their leash handy – If you choose to not confine your anxious pet to a room or crate, then be sure to leash them. As we mentioned, the constant doorbell ringing, stream of trick or treaters, and door opening and closing can lead to behaviors of fear, aggression, and potentially running away. Using a leash will help you restrain them.

As you may have guessed, CBD might also be able to help your pup stay calm this Halloween. If you do try CBD, we recommend combining it with the methods above to cover all your bases.

Can CBD Help Dogs Stay Calm on Halloween?

Some pet owners give CBD to help their dogs stay calm during stressful events, though research in dogs is still limited and results vary by animal. With that said, more and more pet owners are turning to CBD to try and help their dogs in a variety of situations. From separation anxiety to inflammation caused by arthritis, CBD has possible far reaching positive effects for our pets. Your dog has an endocannabinoid system (ECS) just like you do, which allows CBD to interact with their bodies in similar ways that it does with our own.

The potential benefits of CBD and other cannabinoids may result from these substances tapping into the endocannabinoid system and triggering cannabinoid receptors existing within the body. These receptors then stimulate changes; many of which may result in positive health effects, like possibly reduced anxiety.

Research on CBD for canine anxiety is still limited, and findings in humans don't automatically translate to dogs. If you’re interested in seeing the data and evidence we have for CBD’s ability to fight anxiety in humans, check out another article of ours, New to Cannabidiol: How to Use CBD for Anxiety.

When Should You Start Giving Your Dog CBD Before Halloween?

We recommend starting at least a few weeks before October 31st and beginning with a low amount, increasing gradually so you have time to find what works for your dog.

Giving CBD to your pet is simple. If you’re using a tincture product, then simply place a few drops on their food or directly in their mouth. If you’re using the salmon oil infused with CBD that we offer at Urban Roots, then just add a few pumps onto their meals. We recommend splitting the daily dosage up between their morning and evening meals so their food keeps the same delicious taste that they love.

It’s important to remember that CBD does not work over night. It may take time to build up in your pet’s system. For that reason, it would be best to start giving them CBD now so that they are more likely to experience its effects by Halloween. When it comes to dosage, start off small and slowly increase the amount you give them until it produces the desired outcome.

If you want to try CBD for your dog this Halloween, then check out our selection of pet CBD products today!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much CBD should I give my dog?
Start with the low end of your product's suggested serving for your dog's weight and increase gradually — your veterinarian can help you find the right amount.

How long does CBD take to work in dogs?
Some dogs respond within an hour or two, while others seem to do better after a week or more of consistent daily use.

Can I give my dog human CBD oil?
It's better to use a product formulated for pets, since human products may contain THC, xylitol, or flavorings that aren't safe for dogs.

Is CBD safe for dogs?
Reported side effects in dogs are generally mild, such as drowsiness or loose stool. It's always a good idea to check with your vet first.

Should I dress my dog up for Halloween?
Only if your dog is already comfortable in clothing; for an anxious dog, a costume adds one more stressor to an already overwhelming night.

What if my dog runs off on Halloween?
Contact local shelters and post to lost-pet groups immediately, and have your microchip registry contact information ready.