Halloween Pet Safety Tips

Halloween brings an annual sense of eerie excitement with trick-or-treating, costumes, and spooky decorations. However, this fun holiday can be stressful and potentially dangerous for our pets. From anxious pets reacting to constant visitors to the hazards of candy and decorations, it’s crucial to consider pet safety. 

This article will explore essential Halloween pet safety tips to ensure your beloved pets stay happy and secure during the festivities. Whether you’re planning to dress up your pets in Halloween costumes or simply want to protect them from holiday-related risks, make sure to read these pet safety tips. 

• Beware of Halloween Dangers for Pets
• 5 Halloween Pet Safety Tips
• Halloween Pet Safety FAQs
• Final Notes

Beware of Halloween Dangers for Pets 

While fun for humans, Halloween may not be equally as enjoyable for your pet. Halloween presents various hazards for our animal companions. 

Here are some of the most common dangers to be aware of this Halloween: 

• Candy and treats: Many Halloween sweets are toxic to pets. Chocolate is dangerous for both dogs and cats, while xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in some candies and gum, can be life-threatening, even in small amounts.
• Decorations: Pumpkins, corn, and other festive decorations can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested. Electrical cords from lights and animated props pose shock or burn risks if chewed.
• Costumes: While animals in Halloween costumes can be adorable, some pets may find them stressful or uncomfortable. Ill-fitting costumes can also cause choking or restrict movement.
• Increased activity: The constant ringing of doorbells and stream of costumed visitors can be overwhelming for pets, potentially leading to anxiety or escape attempts.
• Glow sticks and candles: Pets may be tempted to chew on glow sticks, which can cause mouth irritation. Lit candles in jack-o'-lanterns present fire hazards and burn risks.
• Wrappings and packaging: Candy wrappers and plastic bags may not seem dangerous, but your dog can likely smell what was inside, making them tempting to chew on. Even though they're empty, they pose a choking hazard and may even cause intestinal blockages if swallowed.

5 Halloween Pet Safety Tips 

Now that you know some of the devilish dangers October 31st can pose to our pets, let’s take a look at five safety tips to protect your pets this Halloween:

1. Keep Treats Out of Reach

Halloween pet safety begins with knowing what’s potentially dangerous for your dog or cat to consume. One of the most dangerous aspects of Halloween for pets is candy. Many Halloween candies contain chocolate or xylitol, both dangerous ingredients that are toxic to cats and dogs. While chocolate is usually easy to spot, xylitol is not — it’s used as a sugar alternative and can be found in candies, baked goods, and other sweet treats.

Some dangerous treats to watch out for include:

• Chocolate
• Raisins
• Sugar-free candy
• Caramel apples
• Candy corn
• Baked goods

While these are some of the most toxic Halloween candy for pets, your cat or dog should not consume any candy at all. Sugar can cause GI upset in pets, resulting in diarrhea, vomiting, and other side effects. 

If you have children, they should be monitored to ensure they’re properly disposing of their candy wrappers and keeping candy away from pets. Additionally, make sure all Halloween guests know to keep candy and other sweet treats away from your cats and dogs.

If you believe your pet has gotten ahold of Halloween treats, contact your emergency vet or call the 24-hour ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Hotline at 888-426-4435.

2. Check Your Pet’s ID and Microchip Status

Pets commonly escape on Halloween because there are lots of people coming and going as trick-or-treaters and party guests arrive. Stress caused by multiple people in and around your home, people in costumes, and loud noises can cause your pet to have increased anxiety. If your dog or cat becomes anxious, their fight-or-flight response may kick in, and many pets will escape their home or yard to get away from the chaos. 

To ensure your pet’s safety on Halloween, make sure they have ID in the form of a microchip and/or ID tag. These forms of identification will help your pet be found and returned to you if they get lost during the Halloween festivities.

Additionally, your pets should never go outside unsupervised, especially unleashed. If you must take your pet out during Halloween night, keep them on a leash and be aware of your surroundings. You can also take them to an area where they won’t see many trick-or-treaters, like the backyard instead of the front yard.

3. Address the Halloween Scaries (Pet Anxiety)

Even calm pets can become nervous on Halloween because of all the excitement. Since there will be more neighborhood activity on this night than the rest of the year, your dog or cat may become more anxious. 

You can calm your pet’s nerves by ensuring their sanctuary space is accessible. Installing a white noise machine can be a great way to block some of the sound from the evening’s festivities. If you’re having a get-together to celebrate Halloween, you may also choose to keep your pet in a separate room to prevent them from getting too nervous around people they may not have met. You can also use toys and interactive games to keep them occupied and mentally stimulated. 

Nervous pets with anxiety may also benefit from anxiety treatment options, including anxiety medication. If your dog or cat is naturally anxious, especially around people, Halloween can exacerbate their nervousness, which can cause fear-based reactivity and potentially dangerous situations. Talk to a veterinarian if your dog or cat has anxiety and may benefit from behavioral training and medication. 

In addition, dogs and cats that get enough exercise may be less prone to anxiety or panic attacks. Plan to walk your dog a few hours before the busiest trick-or-treating times to ensure they’ve gotten enough exercise to prevent pent-up energy from causing further anxiety. 

4. Choose Halloween Decorations Carefully

Halloween decor can also pose dangers to pets on Halloween. For example, open flames can cause burns and fires, so candles must be stored high and away from pets. In addition, electrical cords from lighted decorations can cause electric shock or get tangled. Instead, you can choose battery-operated decorations to prevent curious pets from putting themselves in unnecessary danger.1 

Other types of decorations can cause GI issues. For example, if you use glow sticks on Halloween, be aware that dogs and cats may try to chew on them. The liquid inside glow sticks is non-toxic, but it can result in GI issues. 

You should also be aware of any decorations your dog or cat may try to chew and swallow that can cause choking or intestinal blockages. For example, spider webs, plastic spiders, and pumpkin rinds can cause GI issues and pose a choking and blockage danger. 

In general, pumpkins are safe for dogs and cats. However, your pet should never eat the pumpkin rind as it’s difficult to digest. Always toss your pumpkins when they get moldy because eating mold can cause GI upset in pets.1

5. Keep Halloween Costumes Safe and Comfortable

Pets on Halloween are at an increased risk of poisoning, but candy isn’t the only potential danger in your home. 

Animals in Halloween costumes are the best part of Halloween for many pet parents, with the top Halloween animal costumes being:

• Pumpkin
• Hot Dog
• Bat
• Bumblebee
• Spider2

Dressing up your pet on Halloween is a fun tradition for many pet parents, but costumes should be chosen wisely to keep pets calm and comfortable. 

Here are a few do’s and don’ts for Halloween pet costumes:

• Don’t restrict movement. You should be able to place two fingers under the costume around their body, throat/chest, and legs.
• Don’t choose costumes with excessive adornments. Beads, fringe, and other accessories can be choking hazards and cause GI issues if ingested. 
• Do limit dress up time. Pet costumes should only be worn for short periods and under supervision. 

Even if your pet’s costume fits correctly and they’re content wearing it, there may still be some dangers. For example, your pet’s costume can get snagged on furniture, potentially causing a choking hazard or injury. When your pet is in their costume, make sure they’re being monitored to ensure they’re not chewing on or snagging their costume on items around the house. 

Remember, not every pet will love wearing a Halloween costume. Some will tolerate it, but others may fight the process. If your pet doesn’t like wearing Halloween costumes, don’t force them — putting your pet in a costume can cause additional stress.

Halloween Pet Safety FAQs

How do you handle an anxious dog on Halloween?

It’s relatively common for dogs to become anxious on Halloween because of the noises and visitors. If your cat or dog displays signs of anxiety, you can:

• Keep them away from the door in a safe, secure place.
• Use their crate (if they are crate trained and comfortable) or a bedroom with a family member so your pet won’t get lonely. 
• Use a sound machine or turn on the television to block doorbell and knocking noises.
• Play relaxing music for your pet.

Unfortunately, you may have to take your dog outside on Halloween night, depending on when they last went out. Luckily, trick-or-treating doesn’t last too long into the night, so you may be able to wait to take them out until all of the trick-or-treating is over. However, if you must take your dog outside during trick or treating, consider: 

• Keeping them away from others and choosing a quiet area away from costumed people
• Ensuring they’re on a leash at all times

In addition to these tips, if you have a pet that gets anxious from loud noises and strangers, you could also use short-term medications to reduce their anxiety levels. Talk to your vet about your options on Halloween. In many cases, they will prescribe the same medications they do for Fourth of July fireworks that cause anxiety in pets. 

Are costumes safe for pets?

Costumes can be safe for pets when: 

• They fit properly: A proper fit ensures your pet is comfortable and has a full range of motion. 
• Your pet is monitored while wearing them: Keeping an eye on your pet while they wear a costume can help you prevent any potential dangers like getting tangled or snagging the costume. 
• There are no accessories that can be chewed or swallowed: Small parts and pieces that fall off or can be chewed off can cause choking. Avoid any costumes that might have these, especially if your pet likes to chew.
• Time spent in the costume is limited: Typically, you should only leave your pet wearing a costume for a few hours. While safe costumes can be worn for longer, the more time spent in them, the higher the potential for possible dangers like getting snagged.

Keep in mind that not all pets will tolerate or enjoy being in a costume. If your pet seems distressed wearing a costume, there’s no reason to leave it on them. While Halloween costumes on pets are cute, they’re not worth the unhappiness of your pet. 

What percentage of people dress up their pets on Halloween?

Pets are family, so it’s no wonder over 75% of pet parents planned to dress up their pets for Halloween in 2022.3 However, Remember, some pets may not tolerate costumes at all. If your pet seems stressed or uncomfortable wearing a costume, take it off to prevent unnecessary anxiety on an already scary night.

Can you have trick-or-treaters with a dog?

Yes, you can have trick-or-treaters with a dog, but there are a few things to consider, such as: 

• Your dog’s temperament: If your dog is anxious, fearful, or has a negative reaction to strangers or unusual sights and sounds, it’s best to keep them in a separate, quiet room during trick-or-treating hours. 
• Create a safe space: Set up a comfortable area away from the front door where your dog can relax. 
• Use barriers: Consider using a baby gate to keep your dog from rushing the door when it opens. 
• Take turns: If possible, have one person manage the door while the other stays with the dog. 
• Practice obedience: Reinforce basic commands like “stay” before Halloween night. 

What effects does Halloween have on dogs and cats?

Halloween can have various effects on dogs and cats, such as: 

• Increased anxiety: The constant doorbell ringing, knocking, and presence of strangers in costumes can be stressful for pets. 
• Confusion: Unusual sights and sounds can be disorienting for animals. 
• Escape attempts: With doors opening frequently, pets might try to run out, potentially getting lost. 
• Digestive issues: If pets access Halloween candy or decorations, they may experience gastrointestinal problems. You should take them to the vet immediately if your dog or cat eats something they shouldn’t have. 
• Heightened alertness: Pets may become more vigilant or protective due to the unusual activity. 

Of course, not all dogs or cats will have the same reactions on Halloween. Some may be more tolerant of the excitement, while others might become extremely stressed. Knowing your pet’s individual temperament and behavior patterns can help you make the best decisions for them on this spooky night. 

Final Notes

These Halloween pet safety tips can help you prepare for October 31st, but remember, you know your pet best. If your pet starts exhibiting signs of discomfort or anxiety, reach out to a vet. 

If you have a particularly anxious pet, consider consulting a Dutch vet before Halloween to discuss options for reducing pet anxiety. Dutch gives you access to knowledgeable, licensed vets from the comfort of your home to help you manage your pet’s anxiety on Halloween and beyond. Plus, a Dutch subscription comes with free doorstep delivery of medications from our pharmacy to support your pet’s health and well-being. Speak to a vet today.