Costumes, Treats, and Trick-or-Treaters: Halloween Safety Tips for Pets
- Content Writer
- 10 hours ago
- 3 min read
Halloween may be all fun and games for people — but for pets, it can be a confusing and even frightening time of year. From unfamiliar costumes and constant doorbell ringing to dangerous sweets and decorations, there are plenty of hidden hazards that can catch pet owners off guard.
With a little preparation, you can help your dog or cat stay safe, calm, and happy throughout the festivities — whether you’re throwing a party, going trick-or-treating, or staying home.
Contents
1. Keep Sweets and Chocolates Out of Reach
Many classic Halloween treats are toxic to pets. Chocolate, in particular, is highly dangerous — especially dark varieties. Sweets containing xylitol (an artificial sweetener) can also be fatal to dogs, even in small amounts.
Key things to avoid:
Chocolate (especially dark or baking chocolate)
Sugar-free sweets, gum, or peanut butter with xylitol
Raisins or grapes
Lollipop sticks and sweet wrappers (choking hazard)
Store all sweets in sealed containers out of paw’s reach, and make sure children know not to share their treats with pets.
2. Be Cautious with Costumes
Dressing up pets can be fun — but not all animals enjoy the experience. To keep your pet happy full outfits should be avoided- instead choosing a festive collar or bandana.
Costumes that are too tight, restrict movement, or have small dangling parts can be stressful or even dangerous.
If your pet wears a costume:
Choose lightweight, breathable materials
Avoid masks or anything that covers the eyes or ears
Ensure they can walk, toilet, and breathe normally
Never leave your pet unattended in costume
Watch for signs of stress like hiding, shaking, or pawing at the outfit
3. Minimise Doorbell Stress
Constant knocking or doorbell ringing can unsettle even the most confident pets. Trick-or-treaters arriving in unfamiliar costumes can add to the confusion and anxiety.
To reduce stress:
Set up a quiet, cosy retreat away from the front door
Play calming music or white noise in the background
Consider a plug-in pheromone diffuser to promote relaxation, or use a spray version on bedding.
If needed, use a stairgate or room divider to prevent sudden dashes to the door
Let visitors know you have pets inside, and keep them securely indoors during peak trick-or-treating hours.
4. Watch Out for Escape Attempts
An open front door is an easy escape route for pets spooked by unfamiliar faces or loud noises. Sadly, Halloween is one of the busiest times of year for lost pet reports.
To stay safe:
Keep dogs and cats in a secure room with the door closed
Double-check garden gates and fences earlier in the day
Ensure your pet is microchipped and details are up to date
Consider using a collar with an ID tag even for indoor cats
If your pet does get out, up-to-date microchipping can be the key to getting them home quickly.
5. Decorate with Pet Safety in Mind
Halloween decorations can be just as hazardous as sweets. Curious pets may chew wires, ingest foreign objects, or knock over candles.
Hazards to avoid or secure:
Lit pumpkins or candles (fire risk or burns)
Glow sticks (toxic and bitter-tasting if punctured)
Small plastic decorations or fake spiders
Electric wires and fairy lights
Confetti, glitter or fake ‘spider webs’ that could be ingested
Opt for LED candles and keep decorations well out of reach to avoid mishaps.
When to Contact Us
If your pet eats something they shouldn’t, becomes unusually quiet or agitated, or is showing signs of distress, don’t wait — fast action can prevent serious problems.
📞 Call us on 020 8459 4729 or book an appointment online. We're here to help keep your pets safe, healthy, and happy this Halloween.
We believe preventing disease is a far better way of helping your pet stay fit, comfortable, happy and healthy. So we’ve created the Vital Pets Club to make sure every pet owner has easy access to the best pet care at an affordable price.
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