Dog Life

5 Ways to Include Your Dog in Trick-or-Treating Fun

Costume, route, treats, a playdate and photos: five ways to make Halloween fun and safe for your dog.

By 4 min read
5 Ways to Include Your Dog in Trick-or-Treating Fun – Freezbone

Halloween is not just for humans. Your dog can join the trick-or-treating fun too, as long as you plan for the costume, the crowds and the candy bowl. Get those three right and your dog gets a night of sniffs, praise and treats instead of a night of stress.

Here are five creative, safe ways to include your dog in the spooky festivities.

Dogs can join trick-or-treating with a comfortable costume, a bag of dog-safe treats and one trained trick to perform at each door. Stick to short, familiar, well-lit streets, keep your dog leashed the whole time, and keep them away from the candy bowl: chocolate, xylitol and raisins are all dangerous. When the doorbell finally stops, a frozen chew gives a wound-up dog something calm to do.

1. How do I choose a safe Halloween costume for my dog?

FreezPumpkin limited Halloween edition dog toy

Dressing up is one of the best ways to include your dog in the festivities. Choose a costume that fits well and does not restrict their movement or breathing. Make sure it is made from non-toxic materials and has no small parts that could be a choking hazard.

Freezbone tip

If your dog is not used to wearing clothes, introduce the costume gradually. Let them sniff and explore it first, then try it on for short spells. Always supervise your dog while they are in costume so you can tell they are comfortable and safe.

2. What is the best trick-or-treat route for a dog?

FreezSunflower frozen enrichment toy

Plan your route around your dog's comfort and safety. Choose one that is not too long and avoids overly crowded areas. Familiar streets are best: new crowds and doorbells stack up fast and can push a reactive dog over the edge.

  • Stick to well-lit streets and sidewalks so you can spot hazards.
  • Bring a flashlight and waste bags.
  • Keep your dog on a leash at all times, even in costume.
  • Teach one simple trick to perform at each door. It gives your dog a job and earns a treat.

If your dog finds Halloween scary rather than fun, read Courage the Cowardly Dog's guide to conquering Halloween fears before you head out.

3. Which Halloween treats are safe for dogs?

Freezbone Duck Feet dog treats

While you enjoy your Halloween candy, make sure your dog has tasty, dog-safe treats of their own. You can find dog treats at Freezbone, like our single-ingredient Duck Feet, or make your own at home with dog-friendly ingredients.

Treat bag

  • Plain pumpkin
  • Peanut butter with no xylitol
  • Sweet potato
  • Treats made for dogs

Keep away

  • Chocolate
  • Xylitol (sugar-free candy and gum)
  • Raisins
  • Any human candy

Chocolate and xylitol are among the most common reasons pets end up at the emergency vet on Halloween night. Keep the candy bowl well out of reach, and check peanut butter labels with our xylitol guide.

Pumpkin is the star of the season for dogs as well as people. Our post on pumpkin for pups shows how to use it, and it freezes beautifully inside a festive toy.

4. How do I throw a Halloween playdate for dogs?

FreezBall frozen treat toys

Why not extend the fun with a playdate for the dogs in your neighborhood? Host a small gathering in your backyard or at a local dog park, and invite other owners to bring their pets in costume.

Plan a few dog-friendly activities, such as a costume contest, bobbing for tennis balls or a treat scavenger hunt. It is a great way for your dog to socialize and burn off energy while enjoying the Halloween spirit.

5. How do I take great Halloween photos of my dog?

FreezHeart frozen enrichment toy

Do not forget to capture your dog's Halloween adventure. Set up a spooky backdrop with Halloween decorations and props and take some adorable pictures of your dog in costume.

Snap candid shots while you are out trick-or-treating or during the playdate too. They make wonderful keepsakes and are perfect for sharing on social media. Our pet photography tips work just as well in October.

How do I settle my dog after trick-or-treating?

When the doorbell finally stops, many dogs are still wound up. A frozen chew gives them something productive to do, so the night ends with calm licking instead of pacing. Fill a toy with pumpkin or their dinner, freeze it the day before, and hand it over once the last trick-or-treater has gone.

“The perfect size for my two Klee kai and so cute for spooky season! I love that it keeps them entertained with dinner for about 30 min and totally calms them down!”
Shayla M., verified buyer

Happy Halloween from all of us at Freezbone.

Frequently asked questions

  • Yes, if your dog is comfortable around people. Keep the route short, familiar and well lit, avoid crowded areas and keep your dog on a leash the whole time. New crowds and doorbells can overwhelm a reactive dog, who may be happier at home.

  • Chocolate, xylitol (found in sugar-free candy and gum) and raisins are all dangerous. Chocolate and xylitol are among the most common reasons pets need the emergency vet on Halloween night, so keep the candy bowl out of reach.

  • Introduce it gradually. Let your dog sniff and explore the costume before you put it on, start with short spells, and always supervise. Choose one that fits well, does not restrict movement or breathing, and has no small parts.

  • Treats made with pumpkin, peanut butter (with no xylitol) or sweet potato are good choices, as are treats made for dogs. Skip all human candy.

  • Give them a frozen chew once the doorbell stops. Working through a frozen fill gives a wound-up dog something calm and productive to do.

Shop this guide

Buy 2 save 15% · 3 save 20% · 4 save 25%

Written by Freezbone Team

We make freezable, refillable chew toys in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and test every fill and routine on our own dogs before we write about it.

Share this guide Pinterest Facebook

Keep reading in Dog Life

Video recipes

What's going in the FreezBone tonight?

Step-by-step videos for every FreezBone, from 5-minute fills to layered overnight freezes.

Watch the recipes