Pets and Halloween: Keeping Dogs and Cats Calm, Safe and Out of the Candy

Halloween is a favorite night for many kids, but it can be confusing and stressful for pets. The doorbell rings again and again, strangers in masks appear on the porch, and the house fills with unfamiliar smells and sounds. Bowls of candy sit within easy reach, and doors open and close constantly. For dogs, cats and other animals, the result can be anxiety, escape attempts or a dangerous snack.

A little preparation can keep pets calm and safe through the night.

Keep Candy Out of Reach

Several common Halloween treats can be harmful to pets.

• Chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are especially dangerous.
• Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in some sugar-free gum, candies and baked goods, is very dangerous for dogs.
• Raisins and grapes, sometimes found in snack packs, can harm dogs.
• Wrappers, sticks and foil can cause choking or blockages if swallowed.

Store candy bowls on high shelves or in closed cabinets, and remind kids to keep their trick-or-treat bags away from pets. After the night is over, check floors and couches for stray wrappers.

If a pet eats something potentially harmful, contact your veterinarian, an emergency animal hospital or an animal poison control line right away. Have the packaging handy so you can describe what was eaten.

Give Pets a Safe, Quiet Space

Many pets do best away from the front door during trick-or-treating hours.

• Set up a quiet room with their bed, water, toys and a familiar blanket.
• Play soft music or turn on a fan to mask doorbell sounds.
• Close the door to keep pets from slipping out.
• Check on them periodically and offer a treat or chew to keep them occupied.
• For very anxious pets, ask your veterinarian ahead of time about ways to help them stay calm.

Prevent Escapes

With the front door opening so often, pets can dart outside in a flash, and dark streets full of costumed people can be frightening and confusing for them.

• Make sure every pet wears a collar with up-to-date ID tags.
• Check that microchip contact information is current.
• Consider handing out treats from the porch or front steps, so the door stays closed.
• Use a baby gate or closed door between pets and the entryway.
• Keep cats indoors on Halloween night.

Costumes: Only If Your Pet Enjoys It

Some pets tolerate costumes happily, while others find them stressful. If you would like to dress up a pet:

• Try the costume on a few days before Halloween and watch your pet’s reaction.
• Choose costumes that do not restrict movement, breathing, vision, hearing or the ability to go to the bathroom.
• Avoid small pieces that could be chewed off and swallowed.
• Never leave a costumed pet unsupervised.
• If your pet seems uncomfortable, a festive bandana or nothing at all is perfectly fine.

Walking Dogs on Halloween

• Walk earlier in the day, before trick-or-treaters fill the sidewalks.
• Use reflective gear on both you and your dog, such as a reflective leash or light-up collar.
• Keep dogs on a short leash and away from children in costumes, who may startle them.
• Watch the ground for dropped candy and wrappers.
• Skip the trick-or-treat route with dogs who are nervous around crowds or strangers.

Decorations and Pets

Decorations can pose risks for curious pets.

• Use LED lights instead of candles in jack-o’-lanterns, so tails and paws stay safe.
• Keep cords and light strings out of reach of pets who chew.
• Avoid fake spider webs and small decorations that could be swallowed.
• Keep glow sticks away from pets. The liquid inside tastes bitter and can cause drooling and discomfort if chewed.
• Small amounts of plain, uncarved pumpkin are not usually a concern, but moldy or decorated pumpkins should be kept away from pets.

Helping Neighbors’ Pets

Neighbors can look out for each other’s animals, too.

• Offer to check on a neighbor’s pet if they will be out on Halloween night.
• Share tips on your building or street email list a few days ahead.
• If you find a loose pet, check for ID tags, keep the animal safe if you can and contact the owner or local animal control.
• Keep candy bags out of reach when visiting homes with pets.

After Halloween

The day after Halloween, check yards, porches and sidewalks for dropped candy and wrappers before letting pets out. Keep leftover candy stored securely until it is gone.

Pet Safety Checklist for Halloween

• Candy stored out of reach
• Quiet room set up for pets
• Collars, ID tags and microchip info up to date
• Door managed to prevent escapes
• Costumes tested and comfortable, or skipped
• Dog walks scheduled before peak trick-or-treating
• LED lights instead of candles
• Veterinarian and animal poison control numbers saved

Other Animals in the Home

Dogs and cats get most of the attention on Halloween, but rabbits, birds, guinea pigs and other small animals can also be stressed by noise and visitors. Keep their enclosures in a quiet room away from the front door, and make sure candy, wrappers and decorations stay well out of reach. If you have livestock or backyard chickens, check that their enclosures are secure on a night when more people than usual are out and about.