Halloween Hazards for Pets: Vet-Approved Safety Guide for a Stress-Free Night

As Halloween approaches, the spooky decorations and candy can be fun for the family, but they can pose real dangers to your pets. With a bit of preparation and awareness, you can make sure your pet family members stay safe (and sane) throughout the night. Below is a vet-approved guide to common hazards, and what to do if something goes wrong.

Candy and Chocolate Toxicity

Candy and chocolate are among the top risks for pets on Halloween night. Here’s what you should know:

• Chocolate — Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to dogs and cats. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate have especially high concentrations, so even a small amount can be dangerous, causing vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, rapid heart rate, tremors, or seizures.

• Xylitol — Many sugar-free candies, gums, and baked goods contain xylitol, a sweetener that is extremely toxic to dogs. Ingesting xylitol can lead to a rapid drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia), seizures, liver failure, and even death.

• Candy wrappers and hard candies — Even when the candy itself isn’t dangerously toxic, ingestion of wrappers, hard candy pieces, or foil can cause choking or intestinal blockages.

What to do: If your pet ingests chocolate, xylitol, or candy wrappers, contact your veterinarian or a 24/7 emergency vet immediately. If you’re in the Vetr Health service area and need calm, in-home assistance, we can come to you, no stressful car rides for your pet.

Decorations and Ingestible Hazards

Decorations can be fun to look at, but pets may see them as toys or chewables. Some common hazards:

• Fake cobwebs — These strands can be swallowed or get tangled, leading to choking or intestinal irritation.

• Glow sticks — The liquid inside glow sticks may be irritating, and the plastic pieces can pose a choking hazard if chewed.

• Plastic décor and small props — Foam pumpkins, glittery bats, and mini decorations can easily be chewed and swallowed, risking blockages or internal injury.

• Wires and batteries — Chewing on string lights or battery packs can cause electrical burns or toxic ingestion if a battery ruptures.

Tip: Keep decorations out of reach, secure cords, and supervise pets when new items are introduced to the home. A quick sweep of the room before trick-or-treating begins can prevent emergencies.

Doorbell Anxiety and Escaping Pets

For many pets, Halloween night is a perfect storm of stress, constant doorbell rings, unfamiliar costumes, and frequent door openings can trigger anxiety and cause pets to bolt through the door.

• Anxiety triggers — Repeated knocking or doorbell sounds can send even well-adjusted pets into a panic. Dogs may bark excessively or pace, while cats may hide or attempt to escape.

• Risk of bolting — With the door opening every few minutes for trick-or-treaters, pets have increased opportunities to slip out unnoticed. Nighttime, costumes, and noise make it even harder to locate them quickly.

Tip: Set up a quiet, gated room away from the front entry with calming music, enrichment toys, or a lick mat to keep your pet relaxed while you greet visitors.

Costume Safety: Cute or Risky?

Pet costumes are adorable, but safety should come first. When choosing Halloween outfits for your dog or cat, check for:

• Unrestricted breathing and movement — Costumes that are too tight around the chest, neck, or joints can make it hard for pets to move or breathe comfortably.

• Overheating — Pets can easily overheat under thick fabrics, especially during indoor parties or exciting activity.

• Choking hazards — Avoid costumes with small dangling pieces, buttons, or elastic that pets may chew off or get tangled in.

Tip: Make sure your pet can walk naturally, see clearly, and pant comfortably. If they show signs of stress, pawing at the costume, rolling, freezing in place, it’s best to skip the outfit or opt for a lightweight bandana instead.