How to Safely Celebrate Halloween with Your Dog: Missoula Events and Tips
Halloween can be a blast for the whole family, including our furry friends! However, it’s important to keep our dogs safe and comfortable during all the spooky fun. Here in Missoula, MT, we’re lucky to have some dog-friendly Halloween events where pups can join the celebration safely. So grab your dog’s costume (or bandana) and check out these Halloween safety tips and local events to make this Halloween a treat for both you and your pup!
Halloween Safety Tips for Dogs
- Costumes: Keep It Fun and Comfortable
While dog costumes can be adorable, not every dog loves wearing them! Always prioritize comfort over cuteness. Make sure your dog’s costume isn’t too tight, doesn’t have small, chewable pieces, and doesn’t restrict their vision or movement. Not a fan of costumes? Try a simple Halloween-themed collar or bandana instead! - Halloween Treats: Keep Candy Out of Paw’s Reach
Halloween candy may look tempting to dogs, but it’s dangerous—especially chocolate and anything with xylitol. Instead of sharing your stash, pick up some dog-friendly treats. Local pet stores often stock fun, Halloween-themed snacks for dogs, so your pup can join the treat festivities without the risk. - Decorations: Pet-Proof Your Haunted House
Decorations add to the Halloween fun but can be hazardous for pets. Avoid decorations with small parts, loose wires, or candles within reach of curious noses. Fake spider webs and plastic decor can pose choking risks, so keep these up high and out of your pet’s reach to ensure they stay safe.
Dog-Friendly Halloween Events in Missoula
Missoula is a pet-friendly town, and this Halloween season, there are a few events just for our four-legged friends! Here are some highlights:
- Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade
Date: October 30
Location: Downtown Missoula
Get those costumes ready! The Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade is a chance for you and your pup to strut your stuff downtown. There’s no cost to participate, and prizes will be awarded for the best costumes. - Dog-O-Ween Costume Contest at Missoula’s Bark Park
Date: October 31
Location: Bark Park
Join other local pet owners for a fun costume contest at Bark Park! This event includes games, pet-friendly treats, and plenty of opportunities to meet new friends. Your dog can show off their costume and maybe even take home a prize! - Missoula Humane Society Halloween Pooch Party
Date: October 29
Location: Missoula Humane Society
Celebrate Halloween while supporting a great cause. The Pooch Party includes a dog costume contest, themed treats, and even a chance to adopt a new furry friend.
Trick-or-Treating with Your Dog
Planning to take your dog out with the trick-or-treaters? Here are some tips to keep them safe:
- Always use a sturdy leash and consider a reflective collar or light-up harness for visibility.
- Carry dog-friendly treats for a little reward along the way.
- Watch for signs of stress like barking or pulling. Halloween can be overwhelming, so always keep your dog’s comfort in mind.
Why Training Matters for Halloween and Beyond
A well-trained dog is a happy, safe dog—especially during busy, exciting times like Halloween! Basic obedience skills, like loose-leash walking, recall, and “heel,” are super useful when navigating Halloween crowds and candy-laden streets. If you’d like to prepare your dog for holiday fun in the future (and more), our team in Missoula, MT, is here to help!
Call us today at (406) 946-3037 for a free consultation and let’s create a training plan that keeps your dog safe and confident through every season.
