Halloween Safety Tips for Your Pets

Halloween is fun for humans, but for our pets, it can be stressful and even dangerous. Here are some safety tips to help make the night calmer, safer, and happier for your four-legged family members:

Keep candy and treats safely out of reach

• Chocolate (especially dark or baking chocolate) and candies sweetened with xylitol can be toxic to dogs and cats. 
• Even wrappers can pose a choking or obstruction hazard if swallowed.
• Teach children and guests never to share human treats with pets.

Give your pet a quiet “safe zone” during the evening

• With trick-or-treaters, doorbell ringing, and unfamiliar costumes, many pets become anxious or overstimulated. 
• Choose a quiet room, close doors, play soft music or white noise, and provide comforting items like favorite toys and bedding. 
  • Do not let cats out at all
  • Limit dogs going “out” to quick potty breaks if needed
• Use pheromone sprays or diffusers to help reduce anxiety.
  • Feliway products for cats
  • ThunderEase Calming for dogs
• Contact us for advice about calming chews and supplements
  • Call
  • Text
  • Email

Ensure reliable identification in case of escape

• The constant opening of doors increases the risk of pets bolting.
• Make sure collars with tags are on, and microchip data information is up to date.
• Reflective or illuminated collars or vests help rescuers spot pets in low light.

Noise desensitization in advance

• Practice ringing a doorbell or knocking at random times in the days ahead and reward calm behavior; this can reduce anxiety on the actual night.
• Playing audio tracks of party noises or knocking can help pets acclimate.

If dressing up your pet use pet-friendly costumes and supervise closely

• Costumes should not restrict movement, breathing, vision, hearing, or interfere with the ability to bark/meow. 
• Avoid costumes with dangling bits, strings, or pieces that can be chewed or swallowed. 
• Always monitor pets while they’re wearing costumes; remove them at the first signs of stress (hiding, lip licking, trembling, tail tucked).

Decorations and lighting—keep them pet-safe

• Replace open-flame candles inside pumpkins or lanterns with battery-powered LED lights to reduce burn/fire risk. 
• Avoid stringy fake cobwebs or tinsel—they can be fun for pets to chew, but they may cause choking or intestinal blockages. 
• Keep wires, extension cords, glow sticks, and small decor items out of reach. Some glow stick fluids may cause drooling or irritation if chewed.

Avoid taking pets out in neighborhood trick-or-treating chaos

• Up to 80% of lost pet reports are tied to events like Halloween when doors are open and distractions are high.
• If you want your pet in on the fun, try a calm indoor “parade” or photo session early in the evening when foot traffic is minimal.
• If you do take a dog out, keep them on a short leash, reflective gear, and stay in well-lit areas

Have your emergency vet’s and pet poison control number handy

• If ingestion or distress is suspected, contact your veterinarian immediately or call the ASPCA Poison Control Center (888-426-4435)
• Here's a list of local Veterinary Emergency Hospitals. Those closest to us are at the top of the list - pro tip - ALWAYS CALL FIRST - just like human emergency rooms, they can reach capacity and not have the ability to care for more patients

Organized by Erika Collier, CVT, CCFP, FFCP

Edited by The Pawsome Vet Care Team