Halloween is a time for fun costumes, spooky decorations, and lots of candy. While this holiday brings excitement for humans, it can pose some serious risks and stress to our pets. In fact, every year emergency calls to the Pet Poison Helpline increase by 12% during Halloween week. As responsible pet parents, it’s important to take extra precautions to keep your dogs and cats safe and stress-free during the festivities. In this guide, we’ll cover essential tips for pet safety on Halloween, from avoiding toxic treats to keeping your home a calm environment.

What You Need To Know About Halloween Safety

• Managing Doorbell Stress
• Poison Hazards
• Xylitol
• Chocolate
• Grapes, Raisins, & Currants
• Macadamia Nuts
• Choking, Suffocation, & Other Safety Hazards
• Candy Wrappers
• Snack Bags
• Halloween Decorations
• Costumes & Pet Dyes
• Where Can I Learn More?
• References

Help Your Pets Manage Doorbell Stress on Halloween Night

Halloween can be a stressful time for pets due to the constant doorbell ringing, strangers in costumes, and unfamiliar sounds. Some pets may become anxious, while others might try to bolt out the door. Loud noises and crowded sidewalks can also increase their anxiety. With so much stimulation, it’s important to take steps to help your pets feel safe and secure.

Dogs

Here are some ways to help your pup navigate the night.

1. Create a Calm, Quiet Space for Protective Dogs

If your dog tends to be protective or reacts to costumes, hats, or sunglasses, it’s best to move them to a quiet room away from the front door. Make sure they have interactive toys, easy access to water and food, and a comfortable place to rest. Playing classical music or turning on the TV can help mask the sounds of trick-or-treaters and create a soothing environment. Read more about creating a safe space and calming with music on our blog.

2. Exercise Before Trick-or-Treaters Arrive

Take your dog on a long walk or have an extended play session earlier in the day. Reducing their energy will help them stay calmer when the evening’s activities begin.

3. Use a Baby Gate for Door-Bolters or a Hands-Free Leash for Friendly Dogs

If your dog loves greeting people at the door, you can either use a baby gate or tether your dog to you with a waist leash to keep them safe.

A baby gate creates a simple, effective barrier at the front door, allowing you to greet trick-or-treaters without worrying about your dog darting out. The gate also gives your dog enough space to see the action without overwhelming them. Plus, since baby gates are easy to set up and remove, they allow you to pass through freely while still keeping your pup secure. This is the gate we own and we highly recommend it!

Alternatively, a waist leash or hands-free/crossbody leash is another great option if your dog likes to be close by. These leashes clips around your waist or your shoulder, keeping your hands free for handing out candy, while your dog stays close and under control. Using a waist leash also helps you body block your dog if another trick-or-treater brings a pet, which can be especially useful for dogs who may get defensive around other animals. With a hands-free leash, your dog gets to enjoy being by your side without risking their safety or overwhelming visitors.

4. Teach Your Dog to Sit at the Door

If your dog is likely to become overexcited when visitors arrive, practice having them sit when the doorbell rings. Keep treats handy to reward them for sitting calmly. With a little practice, your dog will associate the doorbell with positive behavior.

5.  Ensure Your Dog’s ID and Microchip Information Is Updated

Just in case the worst happens, be sure to check your Microchip information. Read more about how to update it here.

6. Consider Investing In a GPS Pet Collar

Worst case scenario and your pet manages to escape, a GPS Pet Collar is a great investment. We recommend a true GPS unit like Tractive instead of a blue-tooth enabled product like an Airtag. A true GPS tracter will track your pet no matter where they are, unlike an Airtag which has limited range (~33feet from your cell phone). With real-time GPS tracking, you can see your dog’s location anywhere with no distance limit, ensuring their safety and giving you peace of mind. The Tractive subscription plan starts at $5 per month and you can try it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Tractive saves your dog’s location history, allowing you to see their favorite spots and activities. It also functions as an activity monitor. Health alerts monitor sleep quality and activity patterns, notifying you of any unusual changes via email or text. Activity tracking helps keep your dog fit and healthy by providing a Wellness Score and comparing activity levels with other pets of the same breed. The virtual fence feature sends an alert to your phone if your dog leaves a designated area. Our clients have nothing but positive things to say about it – intuitive app, durable product, long battery life, and in the event your pet loses their tracker, Tractive will even replace it for free!

Want to see how Tractive works? Check out why we recommended one for Charlie and watch how it helps him:

 

Cats

Here are some tips to keep your cat safe too.

1. Create a Quiet, Safe Room for Your Cat
Cats can become overwhelmed by the constant foot traffic and doorbell ringing. Keep them in a separate room away from the front door with plenty of toys, treats, and a cozy bed. Interactive toys and scratching posts can help keep your cat distracted while the commotion takes place outside. Read more about creating a safe space and calming with music on our blog.

2. Bring Outdoor Cats Indoors
If your cat normally roams outside, it’s best to keep them indoors on Halloween. The increased activity and unfamiliar sounds could cause distress or lead to accidents. Keeping them inside will also prevent them from getting spooked by trick-or-treaters. During Halloween, there’s an increase in pet-related incidents, such as pets being let out or even stolen. Black cats, in particular, are sometimes targeted for cruel pranks, making it crucial to keep them inside and away from harm.

3. Ensure Your Cat’s ID and Microchip Information Is Updated
Halloween night can be chaotic, and if your cat manages to escape, having updated identification is crucial. Make sure your cat wears a collar with ID tags and that your microchip information is current to ensure they can be quickly returned if they get out. Read more about how to update it here.

4. Consider Investing In a GPS Pet Collar

Worst case scenario and your pet manages to escape, a GPS Pet Collar is a great investment. We recommend a true GPS unit like Tractive instead of a blue-tooth enabled product like an Airtag. A true GPS tracter will track your pet no matter where they are, unlike an Airtag which has limited range (~33feet from your cell phone). With live tracking and location history, you can follow your cat’s every step in real-time on your phone, seeing where they’ve been and what they’ve been up to. The subscription plan starts at $5 per month. The virtual fence feature allows you to mark safe zones, like your garden, and get instant notifications if your cat leaves or returns. All-day activity monitoring tracks active time, rest, and calories burned, helping you set fitness goals and keep your cat in great shape. Ideal for cats weighing over 6.5 pounds. Our clients have nothing but positive things to say about it – intuitive app, durable product, long battery life, and in the event your pet loses their tracker, Tractive will even replace it for free!

Curious whether Tractive will work for your cat?

• Our client, Christine, uses one. Read why she thinks it’s a great tool to keep track of her cats (here or here).

Want to see Tractive in action? Watch our patient, Charlie’s video:

Poisonous Pet Hazards

One of the biggest hazards for pets on Halloween is candy. While it might be a treat for humans, it’s often dangerous for pets—especially chocolate and sugar-free candy containing xylitol.

If you have any reason to suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please contact your veterinarian or one of the other resources listed:

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center  24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435
• Pet Poison Helpline®    24-hour animal poison control service at (855) 764-7661

We highly recommend adding these to your cell phone’s contacts, in case of an emergency. Or, download the ASPCA Poison Control App on iOS.

Xylitol

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Xylitol, a widely used sugar substitute, can be extremely dangerous to dogs, leading to conditions like hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), liver damage, and death. This sugar alcohol is found in a wide range of products, including sweeteners, baked goods, sugar-free gum, toothpaste, nicotine gum, dental rinses, throat lozenges, and even some peanut butter brands marketed as sugar-free.

Beyond food products, it’s crucial to recognize that certain human medications also contain xylitol. Some oral suspensions and fast-dissolving tablets—such as gabapentin, fexofenadine, clonazepam, loratadine, meloxicam, and mirtazapine—are known to include xylitol as an inactive ingredient.

Determining the exact amount of xylitol in products can be tricky. As a rule of thumb, products that list xylitol as one of the first ingredients are more likely to have higher concentrations and thus pose a greater threat. For example, home-baked goods using powdered xylitol, note that one cup of xylitol weighs about 190 grams, making even small amounts potentially hazardous. Additionally, sugar-free gums (e.g., Ice Breakers Cubes or Trident) can contain anywhere between 300 to 2,000 mg of xylitol per piece, making one piece of gum potentially life-threatening for a small dog.

It’s essential to keep all sugar-free products out of your dog’s reach and discourage behaviors like “purse digging,” as many purses contain gum or other xylitol-laden items.

If you have children, it’s essential to ensure that their Halloween candy is stored securely, out of reach of your dog. Hang Halloween bags in high places where your dog cannot access them. If you plan to distribute xylitol-containing products to trick-or-treaters, make sure all candy bowls and trick-or-treat bags are kept out of reach of your pets.

Signs and Symptoms of Toxicity

The first sign of xylitol poisoning in dogs is often vomiting. Symptoms related to hypoglycemia, such as lack of coordination, weakness, depression, dilated pupils, and seizures, can manifest within 10 to 60 minutes after ingestion. If liver damage occurs, symptoms like lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and even jaundice may appear within 9 to 12 hours.

Toxic Consumption

Hypoglycemia may result from the ingestion of more than 100 mg/kg (45 mg/lb), while liver damage can occur at doses exceeding 500 mg/kg (227 mg/lb). Immediate veterinary care is essential if you suspect your dog has ingested xylitol.

What to Do If Your Pet Ingests Xylitol

If your dog consumes anything containing xylitol, act quickly and do not wait for symptoms to appear. Immediate intervention is crucial, as xylitol can cause life-threatening hypoglycemia and liver damage in dogs. Contact your veterinarian, an emergency animal hospital, or a pet poison hotline for advice as soon as possible.

When seeking help, be prepared to provide the following information:

• Your dog’s weight
• The type of product ingested (e.g., sugar-free gum, baked goods, medications)
• The estimated amount consumed
• Any symptoms your dog is exhibiting, such as vomiting, unsteadiness, or seizures.

Do not attempt to induce vomiting unless instructed by a veterinary professional, as xylitol is absorbed very quickly, and inducing vomiting may not help if enough time has passed. Additionally, vomiting could worsen your dog’s condition if they are already experiencing low blood sugar.

Early signs of xylitol poisoning, like vomiting and weakness, can develop within 10 to 60 minutes of ingestion, so time is critical. If you suspect that your dog has consumed even a small amount of xylitol, seek veterinary care immediately. Once symptoms such as seizures or signs of liver failure appear, emergency intervention is required to prevent severe complications or death.

Your veterinarian may administer IV fluids and glucose to stabilize your dog’s blood sugar, and, in more severe cases, treatments may focus on protecting the liver. Following your vet’s instructions can make all the difference in ensuring your dog’s survival and recovery.

Chocolate

 

 

 

 

 

Chocolate toxicity is primarily caused by theobromine, a naturally occurring stimulant found in cacao seeds, which can be dangerous when ingested by pets. Dogs are the most commonly affected species due to their tendency to eat anything in sight, but cats and even birds are also at risk if they consume chocolate. Additionally, many chocolate products contain caffeine, another substance harmful to pets.

Not all chocolates are equally dangerous. As a general guideline, even small amounts of chocolate can be harmful to dogs, with the following estimates indicating when toxicity may occur:

• White chocolate: has minimal theobromine content and poses less risk, though it’s still not recommended for pets due to its high fat content, which can cause digestive upset or pancreatitis.
• Milk chocolate: Toxicity can begin at around 1 ounce per 10 pounds of body weight.
• Dark chocolate: Toxicity may occur with as little as 0.3 ounces per 10 pounds of body weight.
• Baking chocolate: Toxicity can start at just 0.1 ounces per 10 pounds of body weight.

As little as one ounce of dark chocolate is enough to require emergency veterinary care for a 10-pound cat.

Pets with pre-existing heart conditions or seizure disorders have a significantly higher risk associated with chocolate consumption.

The dangers of chocolate extend beyond theobromine toxicity; its high-fat content can lead to gastrointestinal upset and pancreatitis, compounding the risk of harm. If you haven’t done so already, it’s wise to train your dog to respond to commands like “leave it” and “drop it.”

Signs and Symptoms of Toxicity

The symptoms of chocolate poisoning usually occur within 2-4 hours of ingestion. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and urination, panting, an abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, and even seizures. In severe cases, chocolate toxicity can be fatal without prompt medical intervention.

Toxic Consumption

As little as 250 mg of theobromine per kilogram of body weight (113 mg/lb) can be toxic for dogs. For cats, the toxic dose is slightly lower at 200 mg/kg (90 mg/lb). Larger amounts can lead to more severe reactions, making it critical to keep any form of chocolate well out of your pet’s reach.

 

 

What to Do If Your Dog Ate Chocolate

If your dog has eaten chocolate, don’t wait for symptoms to appear before seeking help. Immediate action is crucial, as treatment becomes more complicated once signs of toxicity develop. Contact your veterinarian, an emergency animal hospital, or a pet poison hotline right away for guidance.

When you reach out, you’ll need to provide specific information such as:

• Your dog’s weight
• The type of chocolate consumed (e.g., dark, milk, or baker’s chocolate)
• The estimated amount eaten
• Any symptoms your dog is exhibiting, such as vomiting, panting, or tremors.

Being detailed about what your dog has eaten and the symptoms they are showing will help your vet determine whether they’ve consumed a dangerous dose. In some cases, a chocolate toxicity calculator can be useful to assess the risk level.

If caught early enough, you might be instructed by the veterinarian to induce vomiting at home. This is typically recommended if done within 30 minutes of ingestion, as it can help remove up to 50% of the chocolate from their system. However, follow your vet’s instructions carefully, as improper vomiting induction can lead to complications. Keep an eye on what your dog vomits up and be prepared to describe it to the vet.

If symptoms such as tremors, seizures, or abnormal heart rhythms develop, immediate veterinary treatment is essential to prevent further harm.

Grapes, Raisins, & Currants

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grapes, raisins, and currants are highly toxic to dogs, and even a small amount can cause serious health issues. Although the exact substance that causes toxicity is unknown, it’s critical to understand that ingestion of any form of grapes—fresh, dried, or as an ingredient in foods like trail mix and granola—can lead to dangerous outcomes. Grapevines, including the leaves, are also toxic to pets, and should be kept out of reach.

Signs and Symptoms of Toxicity

If your dog consumes grapes, raisins, or currants, signs of toxicity may begin to appear within 12 hours and could include: Abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, agitation, shivering, excessive thirst and urination, and/or lethargy. In severe cases, kidney failure can develop, and fatal effects may not occur until 2-3 days after ingestion. Since the toxicity threshold is unknown and can vary widely between dogs, even one grape or raisin could potentially lead to serious complications.

Toxic Consumption

Unfortunately, there is no definitive “safe” amount of grapes or raisins for dogs, and individual sensitivities vary. While some dogs may ingest these items with no immediate symptoms, others may develop life-threatening kidney issues after eating just a small amount. Always seek help if your pet ingests even a single grape, raisin, or currant, as immediate intervention can make a difference in the outcome.

What to Do If Your Dog Ingests Grapes or Raisins

If your dog eats grapes, raisins, or currants, it is critical to act quickly as these can result in kidney failure. Contact your veterinarian, an emergency animal clinic, or a poison hotline immediately—don’t wait for symptoms to develop, as treatment is most effective when started early.

Be prepared to provide:

• Your dog’s weight
• How many grapes or raisins were consumed
• Whether your dog is showing any symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual behavior.

Do not attempt to induce vomiting without guidance from your veterinarian. Depending on the timing of ingestion, the vet may instruct you to induce vomiting to help expel the toxins before they are absorbed. However, this should only be done under professional advice. In some cases, activated charcoal may be administered to limit the absorption of toxins.

Monitoring and Supportive Care: If ingestion was recent, your vet may recommend hospitalization for monitoring and intravenous fluids to support kidney function and flush toxins from your dog’s system. Blood tests may be performed to check kidney function, and the sooner treatment is initiated, the better the prognosis. In severe cases of toxicity, dogs may require prolonged hospital care and monitoring to prevent long-term damage to the kidneys.

Macadamia Nuts

 

 

 

 

 

 

Macadamia nuts, whether fresh or processed, can be dangerous for dogs. Interestingly, dogs are the only species in which macadamia toxicity has been reported. Even a small amount of food containing macadamia nuts can cause significant issues for your pet.

If you’re planning on doing some fall baking or making homemade Halloween treats, keep macadamia nuts far from your dog’s reach. The high-fat content in macadamia nuts also puts dogs at risk for developing pancreatitis, a painful inflammation of the pancreas. Signs of pancreatitis, such as vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, or lethargy, may appear up to three days after ingestion, and in severe cases, the condition requires veterinary intervention.

Signs and Symptoms of Toxicity

After consuming macadamia nuts, dogs typically show signs of toxicity within 12 hours. Common symptoms include weakness (particularly in the hind legs), vomiting, depression, tremors, joint pain, lack of muscle control, difficulty walking, elevated body temperature, and mild abdominal discomfort. These symptoms are usually mild but can vary depending on how much was ingested.

Toxic Consumption

Clinical signs are typically seen after consuming more than 2 grams per kilogram (0.8 grams per pound) of body weight. However, symptoms can appear with as little as 0.7 grams per kilogram (0.3 grams per pound).

What to Do If Your Dog Ingests Macadamia Nuts

If your dog has eaten macadamia nuts, it’s essential to act quickly even though symptoms are generally mild. While many cases of macadamia toxicity resolve with time and supportive care, some dogs may experience more serious complications. Call your veterinarian, an emergency animal hospital, or a poison hotline immediately for guidance.

When seeking help, be ready to provide:

• Your dog’s weight
• The estimated amount of macadamia nuts consumed
• Any symptoms your dog is showing, such as vomiting, difficulty walking, or muscle tremors.

Ingesting even small amounts of macadamia nuts can cause symptoms like hind limb weakness, vomiting, and tremors within 12 hours. However, signs of toxicity can sometimes appear more quickly, especially in dogs with pre-existing conditions. While most cases are mild and resolve on their own with rest and monitoring, some dogs may require veterinary care if symptoms worsen.

Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by your vet, as macadamia toxicity is generally not life-threatening and inducing vomiting may not be necessary. However, if your dog is shaking uncontrollably, running a fever, or experiencing extreme weakness, seek immediate veterinary attention.

In rare cases, dogs can develop pancreatitis after eating macadamia nuts due to their high fat content. If your dog experiences vomiting, decreased appetite, or stomach pain within a few days after ingestion, contact your vet immediately. Monitoring your dog’s condition and following your vet’s instructions is key to ensuring a smooth recovery.

Choking, Suffocation, & Other Safety Hazards

Candy Wrappers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Although not a food hazard, candy wrappers can pose a choking risk or cause gastrointestinal blockages if ingested. Dogs, in particular, may be tempted to eat wrappers that they find on the ground or in the trash. Always dispose of candy wrappers immediately and ensure all trash is inaccessible to your pet. Trashcans with swing lids may still provide access to your pet. Ensure your trashcan is hidden or closes fully (e.g., foot-pedal models).

Watch for the signs that your pet may have ingested something that’s “stopping them up” (e.g., vomiting, decreased energy and/or appetite, or straining to defecate).

Snack Bags

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Snack bags and candy wrappers pose a serious suffocation hazard for pets, and it only takes 3 to 5 minutes for suffocation to occur. When a dog or cat sticks their head into a plastic or Mylar snack bag, it can create a vacuum effect, making it nearly impossible for them to remove the bag. When this happens, panic sets in, causing the pet to deplete oxygen, and rapidly increase carbon dioxide levels. No matter the pet’s size, they won’t be able to free themselves once the bag seals tightly around their head. This is true for candy bags that store individually wrapped “fun size” treats as well.

Pets, particularly dogs, are naturally curious, and even an empty bag can entice them to explore. While dogs are more commonly affected, there are cases each year of cats suffocating due to similar circumstances, so it’s crucial to be cautious for both.

Heartbreakingly, many pet owners have walked into a room or returned home to find a bag covering their beloved pet’s head. Tragically, by the time they are discovered, many of these dogs have already suffocated. Although there are cases where timely and appropriate CPR has saved a pet, the number of survivors is far outweighed by the loss of those who didn’t make it.

To prevent these suffocation risks, take the time to safely dispose of snack bags. Tear or cut the bags in two places—once along the bottom and once down the side—to flatten them before discarding them in a secure trash bin. Remind your family members to do the same if they have trick-or-treat snacks in the house to ensure the safety of both your pets and others nearby.

Learn More About The Dangers:

How to Dispose of a Bag Properly:

Halloween Decorations

 

 

 

 

 

 

Halloween decorations can be a source of curiosity for pets. However, many of these decorations can pose serious risks. Electrical cords from string lights and inflatable decorations can be tempting for pets to chew on, leading to electrical burns or shocks. Candles, especially in pumpkins, can also be hazardous if knocked over by a curious pet, potentially causing burns or starting a fire. Fake spider webs, if ingested, can obstruct your dog or cat’s digestive tract, which requires costly and invasive surgery to remove the obstruction.

Be Cautious With Costumes

While pet costumes can be adorable and fun, not all pets enjoy dressing up. If you decide to put a costume on your pet, make sure it fits properly and doesn’t restrict movement, breathing, or vision. Costumes that are too tight can be uncomfortable, while loose-fitting costumes may pose a tripping hazard. It’s also important to check for small parts that your pet might chew on or swallow.

Never leave your pet unattended while they’re dressed in a costume. The temptation to chew on loose fabric or small dangling pieces, like bells or decorative eyes, can lead to digestive problems or even blockages. It’s best to avoid masks as part of your pet’s costume because masks can restrict breathing and/or vision for your pet. Masks on brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds are particularly dangerous. For any dog, a sudden loss of vision or restricted breathing can cause significant distress, leading to anxiety or panic. Plus, with restricted vision, your pet is more likely to fall, trip, step in holes, fall off curbs, etc. Any of those incidents could result in broken bones, or even worse, being hit by a car. This is particularly dangerous if you plan to take your dog along for trick-or-treating. If you do take them out, make sure their costume includes reflective material or lighting to increase visibility in the dark.

If you opt for a costume, let your pet try on the costume before Halloween to make sure they’re comfortable. If they seem stressed or anxious in their outfit, it’s best to skip the costume altogether and opt for a festive bandana or collar.

 

Dyes

If you’re planning on adding a little flair to your pet’s look with dye, make sure to choose a product specifically designed for pets to avoid skin irritation or allergic reactions. Pets often lick themselves, so using the wrong kind of dye could lead to gastrointestinal upset or even toxicity. Regardless of whether the dye is labeled pet-safe, avoid applying it near your pet’s eyes and mouth to minimize potential health risks. 

Conclusion

By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that Halloween is a fun and safe holiday for both you and your pets. Remember, taking a few extra precautions can make all the difference in preventing accidents or injuries. If you ever have concerns about your pet’s safety during Halloween, don’t hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian.

Where Can I Learn More?