As Halloween creeps closer, the excitement of costumes, candy, and spooky festivities fills the air. And while this haunting holiday is a blast for us humans, it can pose a series of unexpected dangers for our furry friends. In fact, Halloween is one of the riskiest holidays for pets, second only to the Fourth of July. Whether it’s the irresistible allure of chocolate or the sight of a ghastly ghost at the door, your pup could find themselves in a tailspin of trouble if you’re not careful. With that in mind, we’ve put together a few essential Halloween pet safety tips to keep your dog protected and stress-free.
Keep the candy out of reach
Let’s start with the basics: candy is a major hazard for dogs. As tempting as it might be to share those delicious treats with your pup, candy — especially chocolate and anything containing xylitol — can be extremely harmful. Even small amounts of chocolate are toxic to dogs, and xylitol, a common sugar substitute, is downright dangerous. Beyond that, candy wrappers and packaging can cause choking or severe gastrointestinal blockages, which can be life-threatening. To avoid any accidents, keep all candy and wrappers out of your dog’s reach. A good rule of thumb is to store it in a high cabinet or a room your dog can’t access.
If you think your dog has eaten something harmful, contact your vet or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 right away.
Secure your pet away from the door
If your pet tends to sneak out the front door when you open it, it might be best to crate them or keep them in a bedroom for a few hours for safety — and sanity. With the doorbell ringing and trick-or-treaters arriving throughout the evening, your front door will be opening and closing more than usual. If you get distracted, your pooch could easily get past you and bolt.
You can set up a safe space for your dog in a comfortable room of the house with some calming music playing. Give them fresh water and check on them often. This is a good way to keep them away from the door and let them relax on this stressful night.
Another solution is to sit outside with your bowl of candy for trick-or-treaters so you don’t need to open the door at all. This will also cut back on knocking and doorbells that could make your dog anxious.
Decorate your home with caution
Lots of Halloween decorations are small, shiny, and attractive to curious cats and dogs. Unfortunately, that also makes them potential choking hazards. As such, keep an eye on any cords, lights, or small decorations that could end up in your pet’s mouth. Glow sticks, while not highly toxic, can cause drooling and stomach upset if chewed on, so it’s best to keep those away too.
If you’re using candles or jack-o’-lanterns, ensure they’re placed high enough to prevent accidental burns or fires. You could even opt for battery-operated candles as a safer, pet-friendly alternative. Moreover, be mindful of overly spooky decorations that might startle your dog; scary sights and sounds that are fun for us might just be too much for them!
Stay visible and use a leash for walks
If you’re taking your dog trick-or-treating, make sure they’re secure with a sturdy, well-fitted leash and harness. Keep the leash short and your pup close by, as costumed strangers might easily spook your dog and cause them to bolt. Additionally, avoid leaving your pet in the yard unsupervised on Halloween night — it’s probably not safe with so many people roaming the neighborhood.
For nighttime outings, wear reflective gear and carry a flashlight, especially if your area lacks street lights. Make sure your dog has reflectors on their collar, harness, and leash so drivers can spot you both. Most importantly, stay on the sidewalk and don’t walk in the street. Although you might assume drivers are more attentive and driving slower with all the trick-or-treaters out, distractions can still happen. Unfortunately, some people may have had too many drinks at Halloween parties and still get behind the wheel. As a precaution, remain alert and be extra visible when crossing streets or walking along busy roads.
Choose your pet’s Halloween costumes wisely
Who doesn’t love a dog in a cute Halloween costume? While it can be adorable to dress your pooch up as a pumpkin or a pirate, not all dogs are fans of costumes. If you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume is comfortable, doesn’t restrict movement, and is free from any small parts that could be chewed off and swallowed. Always supervise your dog while they’re in costume, and try a test run a few days before Halloween to see how they handle it. If they seem uncomfortable or stressed, it’s probably best to let them go au naturel and skip the costume altogether.
Feed and walk your dog beforehand
Feeding your dog before the Halloween action begins will help make sure they won’t be looking for food and snacks. A hungry pooch may start looking for treats, and the candy bowl is full of tempting — and dangerous — foods. Keep some dog treats around so your pup can partake in the Halloween fun. That way, if they still get hungry, you can give them something to snack on.
Give your dog a long walk earlier in the day, too. This will help cut back on anxiety and help them relax later on. A tired dog is much less likely to look for trouble.
Update ID tags and microchip information
With all the excitement, there’s always a risk of your dog slipping out and getting lost. Before Halloween arrives, take a moment to ensure your dog’s ID tags and microchip information are up-to-date. Accidents happen, and even if you’re responsible and keep your dog safely indoors, you never know what could go wrong. This simple step can make all the difference in getting them back home quickly if the worst happens.
Watch for signs of stress in your dog
Dogs thrive on routine, and the chaos of Halloween can be unsettling. Try to stick to your pet’s regular schedule for feeding, walks, and playtime as much as possible. A familiar routine can help ease your dog’s anxiety and keep them calm during the festivities.
Remember to pay close attention to your dog’s needs and watch for signs of stress. Panting, pacing, whining, or hiding are all clues that your pup might be overwhelmed. If their anxiety seems more pronounced, you might want to consider a calming supplement or wrap, but always check with your vet first to make sure it’s safe for your dog.
Be prepared with emergency numbers
Any number of things can happen on Halloween, so it’s smart to be prepared in case your pet needs help. Save the phone number and address of your local animal emergency clinic in your phone, and post it on the fridge for easy access by anyone in the home.
It’s also wise to have the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center phone number saved — (888) 426-4435. There may be a charge for the call, but it’s invaluable if your dog’s health is at risk and you can’t reach your emergency vet.
Have fun celebrating Halloween, but don’t get too distracted
Halloween is one of the most exciting holidays of the year for many of us. However, if you’re a dog parent, it’s important not to let the festivities distract you. While enjoying drinks and parties is part of the fun, it can also lead to potential emergencies. Keep in mind, alcohol is toxic to pets, so if you plan to indulge, keep all alcoholic beverages out of reach and kindly remind your guests to do the same.
In fact, if you’re hosting a party, it’s a good idea to create a safe, secure space for your pup away from the hustle and bustle. You definitely don’t want your dog getting hurt by well-meaning but distracted guests.
Halloween isn’t for everyone, and that’s perfectly okay! A little extra caution can go a long way in making sure the holiday is fun and safe for everyone involved. If keeping your dog secure means sitting out on the festivities this year, it’s totally worth it. Remember, one night of celebration shouldn’t come at the expense of your pet’s safety.
