A stress-free Halloween for your dog: simple ways to help them feel calm and safe

At Love My Human, we adore Halloween. The costumes, the decorations, and the little touches of magic along the King’s Road all add to the charm of the season. But for our dogs, it can feel a little less enchanting and a lot more unsettling.

Strange visitors at the door, flashing lights, unfamiliar sounds and tempting (but dangerous) treats can easily overwhelm even the most confident dog. With a little preparation, however, Halloween can be a calm and enjoyable evening for everyone.

Here’s how to help your dog feel safe, calm and included this October.

Why Halloween can be overwhelming for dogs

Dogs experience the world differently, and Halloween brings several unusual elements that can unsettle them. These include:

• People in unfamiliar costumes
• Repeated doorbell ringing or knocking
• Excited children or groups outside the house
• Loud noises or flashing lights
• Disrupted routines and late-night activity

Even the most relaxed dog can find the evening unsettling without support.

Create a calm and comfortable space

A peaceful hideaway can work wonders, giving your dog a safe retreat from all the unusual sights, sounds, and activity of Halloween, and helping them feel secure throughout the evening. Choose a room where your dog feels comfortable, preferably away from the front door:

• Add a favourite bed, blanket and toys
• Keep the lighting low and the atmosphere calm
• Try dog-friendly music or white noise to soften loud sounds
• Close windows and curtains to block out flashing lights or noisy groups 

Calming supplements for extra support 

Alongside preparation and training, many pet parents find that natural supplements provide an extra layer of support during stressful times.

At Love My Human, we trust and recommend Dorwest’s herbal remedies, which have been helping pets for over 75 years. Their gentle, natural formulations can help naturally reduce your dog’s anxiety during loud or unpredictable events like Halloween or Bonfire Night.

Dorwest’s calming range includes:

• Scullcap & Valerian Tablets – a gentle daily option that helps reduce anxiety without making dogs drowsy. Ideal for pets unsettled by noise, visitors, or changes in routine.
• Valerian Compound – a fast-acting liquid that works within 30 minutes and lasts up to two hours. It can be given directly, mixed with food, or sprinkled onto bedding, making it especially useful for sudden stressors such as unexpected fireworks or trick-or-treaters.

For best results, start supplements a few days before Halloween, splitting the dose between morning and evening. Using both together – tablets for steady daily support and the liquid compound for quick, on-the-spot reassurance – can be especially effective. This combination helps your dog stay calm and grounded throughout the evening, gently easing stress and anxiety so they feel more comfortable and secure.

Costume time: comfort first

Costumes are fun, and we love helping dogs look their best for seasonal moments. However, comfort and safety should always come first.

When choosing a costume:

• Check it fits properly and allows free movement
• Ensure it does not obstruct vision, breathing or hearing
• Avoid loose parts that could be chewed or swallowed
• Always choose flame-resistant or flame-proof materials, especially around candles or lanterns

Many dogs are happiest with a simple seasonal touch. A Halloween-themed collar, lead or bandana is stylish, safe and easy to wear.

Choose dog-friendly treats

Most human Halloween sweets, especially chocolate and sugar-free products, are dangerous for dogs. Keep them well out of reach and let visitors know not to feed your pet.

Instead, treat your dog to something safe and delicious such as natural, dog-friendly biscuits or chews. Keep a few treats handy to reward calm behaviour throughout the evening.

Plan walks earlier in the day

If your dog is sensitive to noise or crowds, it is best to walk them earlier in the day. If you do head out later on, be sure to:

• Use a well-fitted collar or harness and a sturdy lead
• Stick to quieter routes
• Avoid areas with loud music, crowds or decorations that might scare your dog
• Watch out for dropped sweets or small costume parts on the pavement

Keep your dog safe at home

With people arriving and doors opening more often, Halloween is a good time to double-check your dog’s safety details:

• Make sure their ID tag and microchip information are up to date
• Keep candles, lanterns and decorations out of reach
• Secure gates, doors, and any escape routes

Make it a happy Howl-oween! 

With a little planning, Halloween can be just as calm as it is festive. From cosy safe spaces to thoughtful accessories and trusted calming products, there are plenty of ways to help your dog feel secure and stylish this season.

Visit Love My Human in Chelsea or browse our online shop for seasonal collars, leads, dog-safe treats and calming essentials. We are here to help your dog feel happy, healthy and well looked after this Halloween.

Here’s to happy memories, wagging tails, and zero spooky surprises.