How Can I Keep My Pet Safe on Halloween?
Halloween can be fun for people, but it can be overwhelming and sometimes dangerous for pets.
The biggest risks include chocolate, xylitol-containing candy, candy wrappers, unsafe costumes, candles and decorations, open doors, and stress from trick-or-treaters.
The simplest way to protect your pet is to keep candy secured, give them a quiet place away from the front door, use costumes only if your pet is comfortable wearing one, and make sure identification information is current.
Here is what pet parents should know before Halloween night.
- Keep Halloween Candy Away From Pets
Halloween candy is one of the biggest seasonal risks for dogs and cats. ASPCA Animal Poison Control specifically warns about chocolate and sugar-free candy containing xylitol. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate can be especially dangerous, and xylitol can be life-threatening to dogs.
Which Halloween candies are dangerous for dogs and cats?
Common concerns include:
- Chocolate
- Sugar-free gum or candy containing xylitol
- Raisins or chocolate-covered raisins
- Candy with nuts
- Large amounts of high-fat or sugary treats
- Candy wrappers, foil and plastic packaging
Even if the candy itself is not toxic, wrappers can create a choking hazard or intestinal blockage if swallowed.
What should I do if my pet eats Halloween candy?
Do not wait to see if symptoms appear. Call your veterinarian or an animal poison-control resource right away, especially if your pet ate chocolate, sugar-free candy, raisins or an unknown amount of candy.
If possible, have the packaging nearby so you can tell your veterinary team:
- What your pet ate
- How much may have been eaten
- When it happened
- Your pet’s approximate weight
That information can help determine the appropriate next step.
- Be Careful With Sugar-Free Candy and Xylitol
Sugar-free does not mean pet-safe. Some sugar-free candies, gums and other products contain xylitol, a sweetener that can cause serious problems in dogs. ASPCA advises that xylitol-containing products can be life-threatening for dogs when ingested. If you suspect your dog has eaten a product containing xylitol, treat it as an emergency and contact your veterinarian immediately. Do not wait for your dog to look sick.
- Costumes Should Be Fun for Your Pet Too
A dog dressed as a tiny dinosaur may be adorable. But not every pet wants to participate. ASPCA recommends using costumes only if your pet is comfortable wearing them and making sure the costume does not restrict movement, vision, breathing or normal behavior.
Signs your pet may not be comfortable in a costume include:
- Freezing or refusing to move
- Trying to remove the costume
- Excessive panting
- Hiding
- Trembling
- Flattened ears
- Tucked tail
- Changes in normal behavior
If your pet seems uncomfortable, skip the full costume. A festive bandana, collar or bow may be a much better option.
Check costumes for choking hazards
Avoid costumes with:
- Small buttons
- Loose strings
- Dangling decorations
- Bells or pieces your pet could chew off
- Tight neck openings
- Headpieces that block vision or hearing
Never leave a pet unattended while wearing a costume.
- The Doorbell Can Be More Stressful Than You Think
Halloween means something unusual from your pet’s perspective. The doorbell rings repeatedly. Strangers appear at the door. People are wearing masks and costumes. Children may be yelling or running outside. Even pets who normally enjoy meeting people may find Halloween overwhelming. ASPCA recommends keeping pets who may be stressed in a separate, comfortable room away from the front door during peak trick-or-treating hours.
Create a quiet space before trick-or-treating starts
Set your pet up with:
- Their bed or favorite blanket
- Fresh water
- A favorite toy
- A food puzzle or appropriate chew
- White noise, music or television
- Familiar items that help them relax
Do this before the doorbell starts ringing rather than waiting until your pet is already stressed.
- Watch for Signs of Fear or Anxiety
Stress can look different from one pet to another. A nervous dog might bark or pace. A frightened cat may hide. Other signs can be more subtle.
Signs of stress may include:
- Panting
- Pacing
- Trembling
- Hiding
- Excessive vocalization
- Drooling
- Trying to escape
- Refusing treats
- Clinging to a family member
- Becoming unusually withdrawn
If Halloween has historically been difficult for your pet, talk with your veterinarian before October 31. Your veterinary team can help you develop a plan to make the evening less stressful.
- Prevent Door-Dashing and Escapes
One of the simplest Halloween risks is also one of the easiest to overlook. The front door may open dozens of times throughout the evening. A frightened or excited pet can slip outside quickly. ASPCA recommends keeping pets securely away from the front door and ensuring they have proper identification in case they do escape.
Before Halloween, check that:
- Your pet’s collar fits properly
- Their identification tag is readable
- Your phone number is current
- Their microchip registration information is up to date
If your dog joins you outside, keep them securely leashed. Reflective collars, harnesses or lights can also help make pets easier to see after dark.
- Keep Decorations Out of Paw’s Reach
Halloween decorations can be surprisingly tempting. Electrical cords, fake cobwebs, small plastic decorations and candles can all create problems for curious pets.
ASPCA specifically warns that pets can knock over lit pumpkins or candles, creating burn and fire risks. Electrical wires should also be kept out of reach.
Consider using battery-operated candles instead of open flames around pets. Keep small decorations high enough that curious dogs and cats cannot chew or swallow them.
- Be Careful With Glow Sticks and Small Toys
Glow sticks, plastic spiders, toy eyeballs and other Halloween accessories can look a lot like pet toys.
ASPCA notes that pets, especially cats, may bite into glow sticks. While many glow-stick products are labeled non-toxic, the liquid can have an extremely bitter taste and may cause significant drooling or distress.
Small toys and costume accessories may also become choking hazards. When the party is over, do a quick floor check before letting your pet back into the room.
- Should Your Dog Go Trick-or-Treating?
It depends on your dog. Some dogs genuinely enjoy walking through the neighborhood and meeting people. Others would much rather stay home.
Think about your dog’s normal behavior around:
- Children
- Crowds
- Other dogs
- Costumes
- Loud noises
- Darkness
- Unfamiliar environments
If your dog is easily startled or anxious, home is probably the better choice. If you do bring your dog, use a secure leash and harness, bring water and keep an eye on their body language throughout the evening. It is completely fine to turn around and go home if your dog stops having fun.
- Give Pets Their Own Safe Treats
Your pet does not have to miss out completely. Instead of sharing Halloween candy, give them treats designed specifically for dogs or cats. You can also use part of their normal food in a puzzle toy or enrichment activity while trick-or-treaters are at the door.
If you are introducing a new treat, keep portions small. Pets with food allergies, digestive conditions or other medical concerns should stick with foods already approved by their veterinarian.
When Is Halloween Candy an Emergency for a Pet?
Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet eats:
- Chocolate
- Sugar-free candy or gum containing xylitol
- Raisins
- A large amount of candy
- An unknown type or quantity of candy
- Candy wrappers or packaging
You should also seek veterinary attention if your pet develops:
- Repeated vomiting
- Tremors
- Weakness
- Trouble walking
- Seizures
- Collapse
- Difficulty breathing
- Significant lethargy
- Unusual behavior
When in doubt, call. It is always better to ask early than wait for symptoms to become more serious.
Halloween Can Still Be Fun for Everyone
Halloween does not need to be stressful for pets or pet parents. A little preparation can make a big difference. Put the candy away. Give nervous pets somewhere quiet to relax. Choose costumes based on your pet’s comfort rather than the photo opportunity. Keep doors secure. And know who you are going to call if something unexpected happens. Your pet may not understand Halloween, but with the right precautions, they can still enjoy a safe night right alongside you.
Have a Halloween pet-safety question?
Your CareVet veterinary team can help you prepare for seasonal risks and answer questions about your pet’s health, behavior or individual needs.
Find a CareVet hospital near you and schedule an appointment.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Halloween Pet Safety
Can dogs eat Halloween candy?
Dogs should not be given Halloween candy. Some candies contain ingredients such as chocolate, raisins or xylitol that can be dangerous or toxic. Candy wrappers can also cause choking or intestinal problems.
What Halloween candy is most dangerous for dogs?
Chocolate, sugar-free candy containing xylitol and products containing raisins are among the biggest concerns. If your dog eats any of these, contact your veterinarian promptly.
Can cats eat chocolate?
No. Chocolate can be harmful to both cats and dogs. Although cats may be less likely to seek out sweets than dogs, chocolate should still be kept completely out of reach.
Is it safe to put a costume on my dog?
It can be, as long as your dog is comfortable. The costume should not restrict movement, breathing, vision or hearing and should not contain small pieces that could be swallowed.
Why is my dog scared on Halloween?
Repeated doorbells, unfamiliar people, costumes, masks, crowds and loud noises can all make Halloween stressful for dogs. Giving your pet a quiet room away from the front door can help reduce stimulation.
Should I let my cat roam outside on Halloween?
Keeping cats indoors is generally the safer option, especially on a busy evening with more people, vehicles and activity outside.
What should I do if my dog eats chocolate?
Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control resource immediately. Have the candy packaging available and be ready to share your dog’s weight, the type of chocolate, the approximate amount eaten and when the exposure occurred.
Should I call my veterinarian before Halloween if my pet has anxiety?
Yes. If your pet has a history of severe fear or anxiety around visitors, noises or busy events, talk with your veterinarian before Halloween so you can develop a plan in advance.