Halloween is a night of spooky fun, costumes, and treats galore but for our pets, it can be a little less “trick-or-treat” and a lot more stressful or even dangerous. From bowls of chocolate within easy reach to the constant ding of the doorbell, Halloween is packed with hidden hazards for dogs and cats.
Here’s your ultimate guide to a pet safe Halloween – keeping your furry friend safe, calm, and comfortable on October 31st.
How to keep your pets safe at Halloween:
Keep the sweet stuff out of reach
It’s no secret that chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats, but it’s not the only danger. Many Halloween candies, lollies and baked goods contain xylitol (a common sugar substitute) which is extremely poisonous for dogs. Even in tiny amounts.
Other foods to watch out for include:
Raisins and grapes (sometimes found in baked treats)
Onion and garlic (in savoury snacks or pizzas at parties)
Alcohol (spilled drinks or unattended cups)
Even the wrappers, lolly sticks, and foil can cause choking or intestinal blockages if swallowed. Make sure trick-or-treat stashes are well out of paw’s reach, and keep bins sealed.
Watch the door to stop any escape artists
Between trick-or-treaters, friends dropping by, and excited kids, the front door can feel like Grand Central Station. This creates two big risks: stress and escape!
Be sure to keep your pet in a safe, secure room away from the action. Or, if your pet does stay near the door, consider using a baby gate as a barrier. They may just see something too scary and make a run for it!
Tip: Double-check that your pet’s microchip details and ID tags are up to date… just in case they slip out.
Be mindful of noise and strangers
Halloween is noisy: constant door knocks, laughter in the street, and sometimes even fireworks. Costumes and masks can also make strangers seem frightening.
To help your pet stay calm:
Close blinds and windows to reduce outside stimulation.
Play calming background music, white noise, or the TV.
Create a cosy “safe space” with their bed, toys, and water.
For anxious pets, pheromone calming diffusers like Adaptil or Feliway can make a difference.
Keep decorations pet-friendly
Spooky decorations may look great – and nowadays, Kmart’s halloween themed range is huge – but they’re not always pet-safe. Watch out for:
Candles and pumpkins — curious pets can knock these over, risking burns or fire. Use LED candles instead.
Glow sticks — if chewed, the liquid inside can cause drooling, vomiting, and irritation.
Fake cobwebs, tinsel, or small décor — these can cause choking or intestinal blockages.
Fairy lights and wires — chewing can lead to electric shock.
Always place decorations well out of your pet’s reach.
Choose costumes carefully
While some pets happily strut around in costumes (like these), others find them stressful or uncomfortable. If you’re planning to dress up your dog or cat:
Make sure the costume doesn’t restrict movement, breathing, or vision.
Watch your pet’s body language. Signs of stress include pinned-back ears, tucked tails, freezing, or trying to wriggle free.
Never leave a dressed-up pet unsupervised.
Tip: If your pet doesn’t love costumes, a festive bandana or themed collar is a cute (and stress-free) alternative. Or, just let them be without feeling like a goblin!
Plan for emergencies
Even with the best precautions, accidents can happen. Make sure you’re prepped, with:
– Your regular vet’s phone number
– An after-hours emergency vet clinic nearby
– The Animal Poisons Helpline 📲 1300 869 738
If you suspect your pet has eaten something toxic, don’t wait for symptoms. Our advice: call your vet immediately.
How does your pet act (or react) at Halloween? Did any of these tips help you to celebrate a pet safe Halloween this time around?
Let us know in the comments below.
