Fall is my favorite time of year! The leaves are changing, the air is crisp, and my porch is already decorated with pumpkins and mums. Halloween is right around the corner, which means costumes, candy, and trick-or-treaters. 

But here’s the thing, while Halloween is fun for us, it can be overwhelming (and sometimes dangerous) for our furry family members. As a fellow pet parent, I want to share my go-to Halloween safety tips, so your pets can stay safe, comfortable, and stress-free while you enjoy all the spooky fun. 

1. Costumes: Cute but Cautious

I’ll admit it, I can’t resist a dog in a pumpkin outfit. But not every pet loves playing dress-up. Before you snap those Instagram-worthy pics, make sure your pet is safe and comfortable. 

When choosing a costume, look for one that: 

● Is made of lightweight, breathable fabric 

● Doesn’t cover the whole body 

● Has no buttons, strings, or pieces that could be chewed off 

● Doesn’t restrict movement or breathing 

Signs your pet isn’t into it: 

● Whimpering or whining 

● Pacing or refusing to move 

● Pawing at the outfit 

● Rapid or shallow breathing 

ASPCA Halloween Safety Tips

Never leave a pet unsupervised in costume. A cute photo isn’t worth a trip to the emergency vet.

2. Candy = Scary Treats 

We all know chocolate is dangerous for dogs, but other candies can be just as harmful. Xylitol (found in sugar-free gum), raisins, macadamia nuts, hard candies, and even candy wrappers can be toxic or choking hazards. 

The Pet Poison Helpline reports a 12% increase in calls to vets during the week of Halloween. That’s no coincidence. 

Quick candy safety tips: 

● Keep candy bowls well out of reach 

● Don’t forget about purses or backpacks left on the floor 

● Secure your trash can. Wrappers are just as dangerous as the candy 

Pet Poison Helpline Halloween Safety Info

If your pet gets into candy, don’t wait—call your vet or the helpline immediately.

3. Decorations Can Be Dangerous 

Halloween décor is fun for us, but to a curious dog or cat, it’s just another toy to investigate. Watch out for these common hazards: 

● Candles & Jack-o-lanterns – risk of burns and fire. Use battery-operated candles instead. 

● Electrical cords – puppies especially love to chew, which can cause shocks. Keep cords tucked away. 

● Glow sticks – look like toys but contain toxic liquid. 

● Fog machines – the solution is unsafe for animals. 

Real talk: a friend’s cat once singed her whiskers trying to “hunt” a flickering pumpkin candle. Now it’s flameless candles only in their house!

4. Trick-or-Treaters & the Front Door

The doorbell, the costumes, the noise, it’s a lot for pets. Plus, each time the door opens, there’s a chance for a great escape. 

Tips for a stress-free night: 

● Keep pets in a quiet, secure room with toys or a treat puzzle 

● Make sure they’re wearing updated ID tags and are microchipped 

● Don’t leave pets in the yard, especially not black cats (sadly, they’re sometimes targeted around Halloween)

5. Loud Noises & Anxiety 

Halloween isn’t just about costumes and candy, it’s also about noise. From doorbells to spooky sound effects, it can all be a bit much for pets. 

What helps: 

● Play calming music or turn on a white noise machine 

● Use a crate or quiet bedroom as a safe space 

● Try a calming tool like a Thundershirt or vet-approved supplements if your pet is prone to anxiety 

A little preparation goes a long way in making Halloween less stressful.

6. Walk Safety 

If your pup still needs their evening walk, plan ahead. Trick-or-treat hours are often the busiest, and the scariest, for pets. 

● Walk before dark, if possible 

● Use reflective gear, LED collars, or glow leashes 

● Carry a flashlight to spot dropped candy on sidewalks 

● Avoid streets with heavy trick-or-treater traffic

7. After-Halloween Hazards 

Once the costumes are put away, don’t forget the cleanup. Pets are just as curious the next morning as they are on Halloween night. 

● Sweep floors and yards for leftover candy, wrappers, or glow sticks 

● Double-check decorations before storing them (loose parts can be chewed later)

● Safely pack away electrical cords and props 

8. Leave Pets at Home (Not in the Car) 

It may seem easier to bring your dog while you take the kids trick-or-treating, but please don’t. Sitting alone in a dark car while scary-looking strangers walk by is stressful and unsafe. 

Pets may bark, growl, or even try to bolt out the car door. The safest place is always home, in their familiar environment. 

Quick Safety Checklist for Pet Parents 

✔️ Choose simple, safe costumes (if your pet actually enjoys dressing up)

 ✔️ Keep candy and wrappers completely out of reach

✔️ Swap open flames for flameless candles

✔️ Secure electrical cords and avoid toxic décor

✔️ Keep pets away from trick-or-treaters and loud doors 

✔️ Use calming tools for anxious pets

✔️ Walk dogs before dark with reflective gear

✔️ Do a post-Halloween sweep for leftover hazards

✔️ Double-check ID tags and microchip info

✔️ Never leave pets in the car during festivities 

Final Thoughts 

Halloween should be full of fun, not emergency vet visits. By planning ahead, you can keep your furry family members safe, happy, and relaxed while you enjoy the spooky season. 

From all of us at Weather or Not Dog Walkers—have a safe and spook-tacular Halloween!

Lisa McGrath

Owner of Weather or Not Dog Walkers