Happy Howl-O-Ween! This festive day is just around the corner and it’s time for pumpkin carving! Are you tired of carving the same old face every year? Get creative by choosing a dog pattern! It’s a great way to add your love for your furry family member into the festive celebration.
You just need a stencil, carving tools and a steady hand to create artwork on your pumpkin. The most popular carving tools include a pumpkin scooper, double-sided tooth saw, hole cutting tool, triangle carving spoon, and sculpting tools. You can choose to purchase these items separately or in a convenient tool kit.
Now that you are prepared and ready to go, check out our 6 favorite dog pumpkin stencils for Halloween!
Bulldog Pumpkin Stencil
Bulldogs are a popular family pet and are absolutely adorable! Carving their unique face on a pumpkin might sound difficult but it’s easy with the help of this FREE stencil featured above.
It’s perfect for beginners or seasoned pumpkin carvers. Most of the bottom portion of the face is created using a carving tool that removes the skin of the pumpkin to reveal the lighter-toned flesh. The ears, eyes, and mouth require the use of the double-sided carving saw.
Paw Print Pumpkin Stencil
This classic dog pumpkin stencil looks great on every front porch and signals a dog lives in the house. It’s an excellent way to alert the neighbors who trick-or-treat with their dogs that you have dog-friendly treats available as well as candy for the kids.
This design also looks amazing placed next to another pumpkin with dog-related carvings! Download this FREE cute paw print pumpkin carving stencil today and get to steppin'!
Chihuahua Pumpkin Stencil
Does your little Chihuahua think they are a star? If so, why not carve their face on a pumpkin. Your dog will think they are famous and the trick-or-treaters will love it too! This stencil is great for beginners and all dog lovers.
Cutting the ears out is where most of the work is focused and the rest of the face is easy to do with the right pumpkin carving tools. Download this dog pumpkin stencil here.
Puppy Pumpkin Stencil
This adorable puppy stencil looks great alone or side by side with other carved pumpkins. It’s a great way to “bat signal” pet parents to visit your home for healthy dog treats. The carving process for this pumpkin requires a scooper, double-edged saw, and a carving tool which are all part of a standard pumpkin carving tool kit.
Download this dog pumpkin stencil for FREE!
Golden Retriever Pumpkin Stencil
Golden Retrievers are popular family dogs that are friendly, cheerful and make a great playmate for kids. Dressing your Golden Retriever in a Halloween costume is probably easy because they love to be part of the family but what about taking it a step further by carving their cute little face on a pumpkin?
This stencil guides to create the details of the expression and makes cutting the shape of the ears out perfectly. Download the Golden Retriever dog pumpkin stencil.
Pomeranian Pumpkin Stencil
This Pomeranian stencil captures their lion characteristics and makes a great scary face on a pumpkin. This is an excellent addition to spooky Halloween decorations and looks great on the porch and hidden in the bushes.
The carving process requires using a few different tools so it’s best to get a standard pumpkin carving kit. Download this Pomeranian dog pumpkin stencil.
Dog Pumpkin Carving Tips
Your dog might want to help carve the pumpkin but it’s best to keep the pumpkin out of reach during the process. Pumpkin seeds can become a choking hazard for small dogs due to the sharp point located at one end. Allow your dog to watch from their crate or a fenced-off room that still gives them a view of the process.
Here are some helpful carving tips:
- Get a simple carving kit unless you choose a stencil that has a complex design.
- You don’t need a perfect pumpkin. Choose one that has character, a flat surface, or one that has a unique shape.
- About half the pumpkin seeds and strings are located at the bottom of the pumpkin. Cut a hole at the bottom of the pumpkin instead of the top to clean it out. Opening the pumpkin at the bottom also makes it easier to light a candle and place it in the pumpkin without burning yourself.
- Scrap the walls of the pumpkin until they are a bit thinner to make it easier to carve. This is especially helpful for young children and those with limited mobility in their hands.
- Choose the side of the pumpkin you will carve and clean the surface to remove dirt and dust that accumulated at the pumpkin patch.
- Remain calm while you carve the pumpkin. Most carving that involves stencils has important embellishments that need time to create. If you feel stressed out carving the pumpkin, stop and take a break.
- Ask the kids to help. Your kids might be too young to use the carving tools but they can have lots of fun cleaning the pumpkin seeds and strings out. Encourage them to get messy and stick their hands inside the pumpkin for added fun.
- Find the perfect place for your pumpkin. If you choose to use a real candle, you need to place the pumpkin in a place where the surroundings can’t catch on fire. Placing the pumpkin outdoors on the porch or in the yard is a great option.
- Keep lit pumpkins out of reach from pets to prevent injury and fire.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pumpkins and Dogs
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Can dogs eat Halloween pumpkins?
Fresh or cooked pumpkin is safe for dogs to eat but Halloween pumpkin should be avoided. Halloween pumpkin usually sits outdoors for hours or a day or two and often becomes spoiled quickly which can lead to digestive problems in dogs. Avoid feeding your dog a Halloween pumpkin and stick to safer options.
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Can dogs chew on the pumpkin stem?
Your dog might find it convenient to nibble on the pumpkin stem like a new chew toy but it’s actually harsh on their teeth and gums. Avoid giving your dog the chance to chew on the pumpkin stem to help prevent punctures or wounds to their skin.
Tips for Making Your Halloween Pumpkin Last Longer
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Handle Your Pumpkin with Care
Carefully carry your pumpkin and place it on a flat surface where it can’t fall on the floor and crack open. Avoid holding it by the stem because it can break off and cause you to drop the pumpkin as you transport it from your car into your house. Clean the dust off the pumpkin with a soft cotton cloth. Dampen the cloth and spot clean if there are hard-to-remove spots.
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Moisturize the Pumpkin
This might sound a bit crazy but rubbing petroleum jelly around the areas that you carve to prevent rotting. You can also use coconut oil or olive oil but petroleum jelly usually works the best in most cases.
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Beware of Pests
If you live in an area that has pests such as squirrels, raccoons, and other animals that like to eat fruit or vegetables, it’s best to keep your carved pumpkin indoors. Placing your pumpkin on a windowsill that overlooks the front porch is an excellent alternative. You can also create a stand using a table at the entrance of your door to make the pumpkin more difficult for pests to reach.
Now that you have chosen your stencil and read the helpful tips, it’s time to get started carving your pumpkin! This might be the best one you carved yet so make sure you take a picture of your pup as a memory because no pumpkin is ever alike. If your dog is patient enough, try to take a picture of them standing or sitting next to the pumpkin.
You can take it a step further and capture this cherished moment such as your pup’s first Halloween by having a portrait made out of the picture you take! It’s easy, dress your pup in their Halloween costume and snap a picture! Then, share your photo with West and Willow to get started.
