Let's be honest. Halloween is a lot more fun for us than it is for our dogs.
We get costumes, candy and a reason to eat too many mini chocolate bars. They get a doorbell that won't quit, a parade of tiny strangers in masks, and a big bowl of something that smells amazing and is completely off limits.
Not exactly a party from their side of the door.
So this year, we've been thinking about how to make the night a little better for them.
First, the candy
You probably know this already, but it's worth saying again. Chocolate is bad news for dogs, and so are a lot of sugar-free candies. Even the wrappers can cause trouble if a curious nose gets into the trick-or-treat bag.
Put the bowl somewhere high. Remind the kids that sharing is great, just not with the dog. And if you think your pup got into something they shouldn't have, don't wait it out. Call your vet.
Then, give them something that's actually theirs
Here's the thing. Dogs know when everyone else is getting treats. They can smell it, they can see it, and that face they give you is hard to say no to.
So give them a yes.
KHICHCHA is our natural dog cheese chew, handmade in Nepal from an old Himalayan recipe with just milk, lime juice and a pinch of salt. Simple stuff, and something they're actually allowed to have.
Something to do while the doorbell rings
If your dog loses it every time someone knocks, Halloween can feel like a three-hour fire drill. A good chew helps.
KHICHCHA is hard. Really hard. It's an 8 out of 10 on our Chewmeter, which means your dog can't just crunch it and be done. They have to settle in and work at it. Chewing like that is calming for a lot of dogs, and it gives them something to think about besides the front door.
Our tip? Before the first trick-or-treaters show up, set your dog up in a quiet room with their chew. You handle the candy, they handle the chew. Everybody wins.
And a little Halloween magic at the end
Eventually the chew gets small, and that's when you take it away so it doesn't get swallowed. But please don't throw it out.
Drop that last little piece in warm water for about 5 minutes. Then microwave it for around 45 seconds. Watch it puff up like popcorn. Let it cool all the way down, and hand it back.
Most dogs go crazy for it. It's a treat at the end of a treat, and nothing gets wasted.
A few things to keep in mind on Halloween night
Make sure your dog's ID tag is on. With the door opening every few minutes, it's an easy night for a dog to slip out.
If your dog is dressing up, keep the costume comfy. They should be able to move, see and breathe without any trouble. If they look miserable, let them skip it. They're cute either way.
And as always, keep an eye on them while they chew.
From the Himalayas, for your best friend
Halloween doesn't have to be a stressful night for your dog. With a quiet spot and a good chew, it can be a pretty nice one.
You can find KHICHCHA in Medium and Large on Amazon.
Oh, and if your dog is wearing a costume this year, we need to see it. Tag us on Instagram at @aathmandu. Seriously, we're waiting.
