It’s spooky season, so you know what that means: it’s time to start making Halloween plans! This year, Halloween will likely be looking a bit different for most people. Due to the global pandemic that we are currently in, some of the staple traditions of Halloween, such as trick or treating, won’t be an option. But, not to worry! For dog lovers and owners, this just means getting to spend more time celebrating Halloween with pups! Here are 5 pandemic-friendly ways to celebrate Halloween with your pup!
Have a Scary Movie Marathon
There’s no better way to rein in the Halloween spirit than with a spooky movie marathon! Get your coziest blankets, your favorite Halloween candy, and your Halloween-inspired dog treats, and snuggle up with your pup for some of the best thrillers! Most TV networks have scary movie marathons during the Halloween season, making it that much easier to carry out this fun activity.
Make Homemade Halloween-Inspired Treats
Halloween can be a stressful time for dog owners. Halloween is one of the biggest times of the year for candy, namely chocolate, which can be extremely harmful to pups. Since it’s much more fun to enjoy the Halloween season with your furry friend, try making homemade Halloween-inspired treats. This way, you both can be munching on some fun, spooky treats together! Here is a recipe for pup approved peanut butter dog biscuits, which can be cut or decorated to be in Halloween theme!
Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits
Ingredients
- 1 cup crunchy peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 cup old fashioned oats
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup water
- 4 squares white almond bark
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper, set aside.
- In a stand mixer, combine all ingredients (peanut butter, egg, honey, oats, flour, oil and water), beating until a stiff dough forms.
- Pat out the dough into a rectangle, about 1 inch in depth. Using a cookie cutter, cut into various shapes (Halloween cookie cutters suggested!). Use all dough.
- Bake for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely.
- To Dip/Decorate: Melt almond bark and oil in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds. Once melted/smooth, dip half of the treat into almond bark and lay on parchment paper. Decorate with sprinkles or chopped peanuts and let cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Have a Costume Party
Just because Halloween is inside this year, doesn’t mean that there still can’t be costume parties! Even though it may just be you and your pup, dressing up for Halloween is always fun and always worth it. With social media, you can also take pictures from your costume party to then show everyone you would’ve been with! Not only will you be showing off your pup and their cute costume, but you’ll have the pictures for a lifetime.
Take a Trip to the Pumpkin Patch
With the cool, crisp air of Halloween season, there’s no better time to be outside with your pup! With this season also comes pumpkin patches. What better way to get both you and your dog out of the house than going to a festive pumpkin patch, where you can get more fun decorations for this year’s indoor Halloween. Don’t forget to call ahead to make sure that it’s dog friendly!
Involve Your Pup in Pumpkin Carving
After your fun trip to the pumpkin patch with your pup, carve the pumpkins you’ve brought home! Since dogs can’t participate in the fun of the carving, make a design in their honor! One of the fun parts about carving pumpkins with your pup is that they can eat the pumpkin that’s being cut out! Pumpkin is actually very nutritious for dogs, so don’t be afraid to let them munch on some of it!
While it’s easy to get down about all of the unprecedented changes that have been happening this year, including Halloween traditions, remember that there are always ways to still have fun with your pup. After all, having an indoor Halloween this year just means getting to spend more time with them!
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