According to a recent survey of dog owners by Belgian-based pet food company Edgard & Cooper, our furry friends are often frightened by the most unexpected things. From roaring appliances to rustling plastic bags, the list of canine fears is surprisingly quirky.

When it comes to things that really give them the creeps, dog owners reported that household appliances like vacuum cleaners and sweeping brushes, as well as everyday objects like plastic bags and balloons, and even their own reflection, can send their pups into a tailspin. These seemingly harmless things are enough to make a dog’s fur stand on end. 

Chihuahuas topped the list as the most likely breed to be spooked by anything out of the ordinary. While Whippets and Yorkshire Terriers weren’t far behind, with both breeds being seen as big scaredy-cats.

While close to a quarter of dog owners say their pups are scared about the most weird and random stuff, many dog owners, 55%, include their dogs in Halloween fun. Halloween-themed toys, treats and even costumes are among the most popular Halloween festivities.

With Halloween creeping closer, owners are reminded to be watchful of their pets getting spooked by mask-wearing ‘trick or treaters’, eerie sound effects, and spine-chilling costumes that can leave pets feeling unsettled. The spooky season might be fun for humans, but for dogs, it can be sensory overload.

So, what can help reduce a pet’s anxiety during Halloween? Louis Chalabi, co-founder of Belgian-based pet food company Edgard & Cooper, employs a simple method around his dog Cooper. 

“I distract him with treats. Nutritious, low–calorie treats, in fact”. But this year, Chalabi is adding in another technique by dressing as a giant Edgard & Cooper dog treat. “My dog seems less scared. Unfortunately, I feel more scared…”