Don’t ignore these early signs your dog is spooked this Halloween

With the spookiest day of the year, Halloween, approaching, dog owners are being urged to watch for the lesser-known signs of fear so they can take early steps to comfort their pet and keep them safe and calm amongst the celebrations.

Dog training experts from Acme Kennels have warned pet owners to recognise indicators of stress in their dogs when lots of strangers arrive in scary costumes, which could make them anxious, and lead to behavioural issues.

Halloween can be unsettling for dogs due to the constant doorstep activity from unfamiliar and excitable people wearing costumes, including face coverings that can be particularly disconcerting to dogs.

While barking and trembling are common signs of fear, more subtle cues, such as showing the whites of the eyes, unusual tail carriage and swivelling ears should not be ignored as they could indicate a dog is overwhelmed by the frequent Halloween footfall.

Each of these signs offers owners an opportunity to intervene before fear escalates, and by being aware of these early signs, they can respond calmly and provide reassurance to help their dog feel safe and secure, preventing fear from worsening.

Importantly, if these early signs of stress are missed, a dog’s anxiety can intensify, potentially leading to panic, injury, or longer-term fear and behavioural issues. 

Ben McFarlane, expert from ACME Kennels, said: “Halloween is a fun and exciting time of year, but it’s important to remember that it can also be frightening for our dogs, which can have a real impact on them.

“The unfamiliar trick-or-treaters knocking at the door in strange costumes can feel threatening and scary for dogs, especially when its repeated interruptions affect their usual routine in their home, triggering stress.

“This means it is important that owners recognise the early signs of stress to protect their pet’s welfare and make sure they feel safe. 

“A dog that begins to show mild tension, such as body stiffness, lip-licking or a tucked tail, may quickly progress to trying to escape or a loss of toileting control if those signs are ignored as their fear and anxiety increase.

“By noticing and responding to these behaviours early, owners can provide reassurance, create a calm environment and help prevent fear from developing into a lasting problem.

"To keep your pet calm, I'd recommend taking your dog on a long walk before trick-or-treaters start arriving, creating a quiet, safe space away from the front door, and giving them treats and toys to distract them. Licky mats can also be a great way to keep them occupied and relaxed.”

Six early signs of fear in dogs on Halloween, according to the experts at ACME Kennels: 

1. Body stiffness and frozen stance: When a dog’s muscles tense and it “locks” in place, it may feel overwhelmed. Unlike a poised retrieve, a frozen stance implies uncertainty.
2. Lip-licking and yawning: These displacement behaviours often surface when a dog is unsure how to respond. A dog yawning repeatedly or licking its lips could be signalling anxiety.
3. Whale-eye (showing the whites of the eyes): Turning the head while keeping the body forward, revealing the eye’s white margin, indicates the dog is watching a perceived threat, and could be scared. 
4. Tail carriage: A dog that carries its tail unusually low or tucked close to the body is expressing unease. On the other hand, a tail held rigidly upright can signal heightened stress rather than excitement.
5. Paw lifting and pacing: Lifting a front paw or pacing in a confined area suggests the dog would rather escape the situation. 
6. Ears pinned or swivelling: Dogs rely on ear position to filter sounds. Ears flattened back or constantly swivelling may reveal sensory overload, especially in noisy environments.

For more information on how to look after your dog, visit: https://www.acmewhistles.co.uk/acme-kennels