When the air gets crisp and the nights grow longer, there's no better way to spend Halloween than cuddled up on the sofa with your dog, a blanket, and your favourite spooky (but not too scary) films. If you and your dog are more into chilling than chasing ghosts, this one’s for you.
Here’s how to plan the perfect spooky movie night with your four-legged best friend, plus some safe and tasty treats they can enjoy right alongside you.
Set the Scene 🛋️
First, get your spooky setup just right.
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Lighting: Dim the lights, or switch on some orange fairy lights for that haunted glow.
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Blankets & Beds: Layer up the sofa with cosy throws and bring your dog’s bed or blanket nearby so they can snuggle in.
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Sound Check: Keep the volume moderate — jumpscares are fun for you, but startling for dogs. Subtle suspense is better than screaming banshees.
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Scented Candles? Stick to pet-safe ones. Avoid strong scents like eucalyptus, tea tree, or cinnamon, which can be irritating for pets.
Dog-Safe Halloween Snacks
You’ve got your popcorn — now treat your pup to their own spooky snacks! Here are three easy options you can prep ahead of movie night:
1. Pumpkin & Banana Bites 🎃
Mash together pumpkin puree (unsweetened) and ripe banana. Add a spoonful of plain Greek yoghurt and freeze in silicone moulds. It’s like a doggy fro-yo treat.
2. Apple Crunch Rings 🍏
Core and slice an apple into thin rings, sprinkle with a bit of cinnamon (optional — and use sparingly), then bake at a low temp for 2–3 hours for crispy apple treats.
3. "Pupcorn" 🍿
Skip the butter and salt! Air-pop some plain popcorn and give your dog a few pieces as a light treat — just make sure there are no unpopped kernels or added flavours.
Movie Picks: Spooky, Not Scary
Your dog might not follow the plot, but they’ll love the cuddles. Here are some Halloween-themed movies with just the right amount of spooky:
🐾 Frankenweenie (2012) – A touching animated tale of a boy and his reanimated dog.
🎃 Hocus Pocus – A classic, with just enough campy magic and minimal scares.
🐕 Hotel for Dogs – Less spooky, more chaos — but very dog-friendly!
👻 The Nightmare Before Christmas – Because it’s both a Halloween and Christmas movie.
📺 Bonus: Put on some Pet TV or dog-friendly YouTube videos as a mellow cooldown after the movie.
Wind Down, Not Turn Up 💤
After the movie, let your pup outside for a quick toilet break, then wind down with a bit of calm play or a gentle grooming session. Halloween night can be full of doorbells, fireworks, or loud noises, so creating a calm, safe space is key.
Halloween doesn’t have to be hectic, sometimes the best way to celebrate is with a night in, snacks on hand, and your best furry mate by your side. Stay safe, stay spooky, and don’t forget the belly rubs.
