Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe on Halloween

Reviewed by Dr. Fiona Lee

Halloween can be extra fun if you have pets to celebrate with. But while handing out candy with your very own "cat-amaran" or trick-or-treating with your super-pup is a good way to make memories, it can also be stressful—or even dangerous—if you don't take the proper precautions. Your pet might try to escape out the door while a trick-or-treater is getting candy or gobble down a sugary treat when you aren't looking. In fact, every year emergency calls to the Pet Poison Helpline increase by 12% during Halloween week.¹

If you're prepared and know what hazards to avoid ahead of time, you and your pet can have a happy and safe Halloween. Here are some Halloween pet safety tips for pets to maximize your enjoyment and minimize stress and risk.

1. Keep Candy Out of Reach

Halloween is associated with spooky haunted houses, pet Halloween costumes and most of all, Halloween candy! But many types of candy can be toxic to pets. The following nine common Halloween candies and snacks are dangerous to dogs and cats.

• Candy corn and other high-sugar candy in high quantities: These can cause severe gas and diarrhea in pets, and possibly also fatal cases of pancreatitis.²
• Chocolate: The theobromine and caffeine in chocolate is dangerous for dogs and cats. Eating chocolate can lead to stomach upset, increased heart rate, seizures or even coma.²
• Chocolate-covered raisins: These contain two potentially fatal ingredients: chocolate, which is toxic to pets, and raisins, which can cause kidney failure.¹
• Candy with plastic or foil wrappers: This can cause an obstruction in the intestines and irritate the gastrointestinal tract.¹
• Bite-sized hard candy: In addition to the sugar dangers, these pose a major choking hazard. Hard candy becomes slippery when mixed with saliva and can be inhaled into the windpipe.²
• Sugar-free gum or candy: Sugar-free gum and candy may contain xylitol, which can cause a severe drop in blood sugar within minutes in pets. They may become lethargic, be unable to walk, have seizures or suffer liver failure.²
• Certain kinds of nuts: As few as six macadamia nuts can poison your dog, causing vomiting and weakness.³ Other nuts might pose choking hazards or have added flavors that are toxic to pets.
• Milk and dairy products: Dairy can irritate your dog or cat's stomach. Many dogs and cats are lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy.⁴

Here's how you can help your pet avoid these Halloween hazards:⁵

• Keep candy safe and secure in a tall cabinet with a child-safety latch.
• If you have children, remind them to be extra careful to not leave out candy that your pets can get into.

2. Be Cautious With Pet Costumes

While it can be fun to dress up your pet for Halloween, be careful with costumes. Most pets would prefer you skip the costume entirely. If you do use one, make sure that it doesn't have any small parts your pet might choke on, and that it can be quickly put on or removed. Don't use any costume that will block your pet's movements or senses.

In general, it might be best to avoid costumes. If you really want your pet to wear one, supervise him at all times and never leave him alone while he's dressed up.⁶

3. Avoid Hazardous Decorations

Be diligent about Halloween decorations:

• Avoid small or sharp objects, including any on your costumes, as they might be easily ingested and can cause choking hazards and other dangers.⁶
• Avoid costumes with metallic beads or snaps because some metals will poison your pet if ingested.¹
• Secure electric cords—use cord protectors or keep cords out of reach.⁷
• Avoid glow sticks, as the liquid can irritate your pet.⁶
• Ensure plants are nontoxic to cats and dogs.
• Watch out for anything your pet might chew on that could be toxic or a choking hazard, like fake cobwebs, fake blood or rubber eyeballs.⁵
• Seasonal scents used in essential oil diffusers or potpourri can be toxic.⁸

Consider substituting some of your decor with cute, pet-friendly options:⁵

• Make a haunted house out of cardboard boxes for your cat to play in.
• Buy a pet bed for your dog that has a Halloween theme.
• Fill a paper bag with new toys for your pet's own version of trick-or-treat.

4. Create a Safe Space

Unfortunately, most cats (and many dogs) don't like all the commotion that accompanies Halloween. For your sensory-sensitive pets, take these precautions to help ensure a peaceful holiday.

Consider keeping your pet comfortable in a quiet room far away from the front door, or put your dog in a crate they feel secure in. Have plenty of toys and treats to keep them busy. Comfort items, like a favorite bed, can help pets feel secure. Some pets might like soft music to soothe them and muffle the front door trick-or-treat activity.⁵

Limit access to your pet's safe space and keep the door closed. If you have guests visiting, put a sign on the door telling guests not to open it.⁵

5. Help Your Dog With Doorbell Stress

Halloween can unleash plenty of stress in even the most even-tempered canines. Think about it from your dog's perspective: Most nights, no one rings your bell and there isn't frequent noise coming from outside. Then comes Halloween, with doorbells, foot traffic and strangers galore. Your dog needs your help to safely navigate this new and stressful event.

One helpful solution is teaching your dog the "go to your place" command. Before Halloween, train your dog to sit in a specific spot far away from the door, like a comfy dog bed, whenever the doorbell rings. You'll start by giving your pup a treat (and clicking a clicker) just for stepping on her bed when you look at it. Then you'll teach your pup to sit when she goes to the bed. Once she's learned to go to her bed and sit when you say "place," you'll teach her to stay there as you walk away. Finally, you'll couple the command with a doorbell ring.⁹

If your dog doesn't take to this training, just let her relax in her quiet room when the doorbell will be ringing frequently. Or if your pet is too stressed, leave a bowl of candy outside with a note telling visitors not to ring the doorbell, or just sit outside on your porch to great children as they approach.¹⁰

6. Be Mindful of Trick-or-Treaters

Trick-or-treaters are fun for you, but your dog or cat may be scared of all those strange Halloween costumes. You'll want to secure your exits so your pets can't dash out the door when greeting your visitors.

For cats and shy dogs, this might involve securing them in their safe, quiet room. Cats can be extra tricky and dash outside without much warning.⁷

If your dog loves greeting people, tether him to you using a waist leash.⁷ This will keep your hands free so you can give out candy while limiting your dog's movement toward strangers so he doesn't lunge or jump at them.

Reward your pet with pet-friendly treats throughout the night. You can buy Halloween-themed cat and dog treats at the store and use those when you're all sitting around and enjoying your candy. Certain types of fruit are safe for pets too, like small amounts of blueberries or cooked pumpkin. Even a small cube of cheese is appreciated.¹¹

7. Keep Pets Indoors

If your cat is normally allowed to wander outside, bring her indoors on Halloween to prevent distress from the holiday commotion. You'll also want to watch your dog closely during potty breaks, since all the commotion might trigger fear and escape responses in pets.⁵

8. Ensure Proper Identification and Microchipping

Pets can be extremely quick, especially when startled, so make sure they're wearing a collar with updated ID tags. Even if your cat or dog has an ID tag, you'll still want to make sure they're microchipped for an added layer of protection.⁶

9. Watch Out for Fire Hazards

Make sure any lit candles or jack-o'-lanterns are away from your pet's reach.⁶ If you do have any decorations like these, keep an eye on your pets and don't leave them alone with open flames. Consider flameless candles as safer alternatives.

10. Monitor Your Pet's Behavior

Learn to recognize the signs of stress or anxiety in cats and dogs. If you notice any signs, try calming techniques, such as playing soft music or using pheromone sprays.⁵

• Signs of stress in dogs: Yawning, excessive licking, whining or more intense barking, dilated pupils, ears pinned against their heads, tucked tails, rigid body posture, hiding, digging or circling.¹²
• Signs of stress in cats: Increased vocalizations (yowling, meowing, growling or hissing), urinating outside the litter box, aggression (biting, scratching), hiding or less appetite.¹³

Any sudden change in your pet's behavior may require a veterinarian visit to rule out medical causes.

11. Plan Ahead for Emergencies

Plan ahead so you can act fast in case there's an emergency. This can include putting together a pet emergency kit. Although you're not preparing for a natural disaster, build an emergency kit like you are so it will be useful in any situation. In your kit, include items like:¹⁴

• Contact information for animal shelters in case your pet is separated from you
• Food and water (with portable food and water bowls)
• An extra supply of any medicine your pet needs
• Backup collar with ID tag
• Backup harness and leash
• A picture of you with your pet as documentation
• Grooming items
• Familiar items like treats, a favorite toy or blanket to reduce stress
• Your pet's vaccine information
• Your veterinarian's contact information
• Contact information for a 24/7 emergency veterinarian

Pets Best Can Help You Keep Your Pet Healthy

Despite being a festive and fun night for humans, Halloween can create dangers for our pets—which is why following these Halloween pet safety tips is so important. By planning ahead, setting up a quiet room for your pet and keeping hazardous candy and decor out of reach, you and your furry best friend can have a safe and happy Halloween.

Purchasing pet insurance may help you protect your cat or dog from unexpected accidents that might happen anytime of year, including holidays like Halloween. At Pets Best, our dog insurance plans and cat insurance plans can be customized for your pet's unique needs. In addition, Pets Best policyholders can speak to a veterinary expert anytime through a 24/7 Pet Helpline.

Sources/ Citations

1. "Halloween dangers to dogs & cats," (n.d.), Pet Poison Helpline, https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/pet-owners/seasons/halloween/

2. "Pets & your Halloween candy don't mix! Here's why," (n.d.), A Caring Vet and Pet Medical Services, https://www.acaringvet.com/pets-your-halloween-candy-dont-mix-heres-why/

3. "Slideshow: Foods your dog should never eat," (3/2024), WebMD, https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/ss/slideshow-foods-your-dog-should-never-eat

4. "Can I give my dog and cat dairy products?" Janine Hagen (n.d.), Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota, https://aercmn.com/can-i-give-my-dog-and-cat-dairy-products/

5. "Halloween safety tips for pets," (n.d.), The Humane Society of the United States, https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/halloween-safety-tips-pets

6. "Halloween pet safety," (n.d.), American Veterinary Medical Association, https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/halloween-pet-safety

7. "Halloween safety for pets," Ryan Llera and Lynn Buzhardt (n.d.), VCA Animal Hospitals, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/halloween-safety-for-pets

8. "Are essential oils safe for pets?" (n.d.), Valley West Veterinary Hospital, https://www.valleywestvets.com/services/cats/blog/are-essential-oils-safe-pets

9. "How to teach a dog 'go to your place,'" (n.d.), Best Friends Animal Society, https://bestfriends.org/pet-care-resources/how-teach-dog-go-your-place

10. "Halloween safety tips for pet owners," (10/2022), SacCounty News, https://www.saccounty.gov/news/latest-news/Pages/Halloween-Safety-Tips-for-Pet-Owners-2022.aspx

11. "Sharing is caring: Foods you can safely share with your pet," (1/2021), ASPCA, https://www.aspca.org/news/sharing-caring-foods-you-can-safely-share-your-pet

12. "Signs your dog is stressed and how to relieve it," Malcolm Weir and Lynn Buzhardt (n.d.), VCA Animal Hospitals, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/signs-your-dog-is-stressed-and-how-to-relieve-it

13. "8 signs your cat is stressed," Hannah Hart (2/2024), PetMD, https://www.petmd.com/cat/behavior/signs-cat-is-stressed

14. "Prepare your pets for disasters," (6/2024), Ready.gov, https://www.ready.gov/pets