10 Easy Ways to Keep Your Pets Safe and Calm This Halloween
Halloween may be a good time for humans, but for pets, it can be a strange and stressful experience with strange visitors and scattered candy. It only takes a few small changes to make the holiday safer and more peaceful for cats and dogs. These tips help reduce risk and keep things calm, without taking away the fun.
Block Access to Candy at All Times
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Halloween candy is dangerous to pets in ways that aren’t always obvious. Chocolate and xylitol (a sweetener in sugar-free treats) are both toxic, and foil wrappers can create choking or digestion issues. Kids may accidentally drop their stash, so store all candy out of reach.
Skip the Fog Machine This Year
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The vapor from fog machines often contains glycol or glycerin, which can irritate eyes, throats, or lungs, especially in small or sensitive animals. Most pets won’t leave the room or show clear signs they’re uncomfortable, so it’s best to skip the fog indoors or use it outside where there’s plenty of airflow.
Test the Pet Costume Early, Then Watch Closely
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A pet costume that restricts movement or rubs against sensitive areas can create discomfort or even pose a health risk. Introduce the outfit days in advance for just a few minutes at a time. If the pet scratches, shakes, or freezes up, it’s better to skip the outfit and stick with a simple collar accessory.
Keep Pets Away From the Door During Trick-Or-Treat Hours
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Repeated doorbell rings and costume-clad strangers can make even calm pets anxious. The open door is also a quick exit route. Set up a quiet area away from the action—a closed room with soft bedding, their favorite toy, and maybe music or white noise to muffle the outside sounds.
Double-Check That ID Tags Are Current
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Halloween has one of the highest rates of lost pet reports compared to any other time of year. Dogs spooked by sudden noise can bolt. Cats may slip through a cracked door. Make sure tags are legible and securely fastened. If your pet is microchipped, verify that the registration info hasn’t changed.
Rethink Those Decorative Cobwebs
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Plastic webbing may look great wrapped around bushes or porch railings, but it’s surprisingly risky. Curious cats can get tangled, and small dogs may try to chew or swallow it. Ingestion can lead to choking or digestive blockages.
Keep Glow Sticks in Drawers, Not Hands
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Glow sticks look harmless. Still, the liquid inside tastes bitter and can cause pets to drool, gag, or panic if they bite into one. The fluid isn’t highly toxic, but it’s unpleasant and stressful for them. Some types may have small plastic or glass pieces that can irritate the mouth.
Boarding May Be Better Than Bringing Them Along
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Bringing a dog along for trick-or-treating sounds cute in theory. In practice, the chaos—flashing lights, kids in masks, unpredictable noises—can be too much. Older dogs, nervous breeds, or those with joint issues often do better at home or in a boarding facility for the night.
Leave the Real Candles Unlit
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Jack-o’-lanterns lit by real flames are a hazard in homes with pets. Burns and accidental fires have both been reported. Swap in LED lights or battery-powered candles that flicker instead. They look just as festive, and you won’t have to hover nearby with a fire extinguisher.
Introduce Calming Products a Few Days Early
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If your pet gets jittery around guests or loud sounds, calming aids might help. Pheromone diffusers, vests, sprays, or chews are widely available—just check with your vet first. Start using them a few days ahead of Halloween to give your pet time to respond.
Practice “Leave It” and “Drop It” Commands
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These two commands can stop a pet from swallowing something dangerous or running off with it. Practice in the days leading up to Halloween using high-value treats. Candy wrappers or fake spiders may hit the floor, and knowing how to get your pet to leave it alone makes a huge difference.
Treats Made for Pets Make Everyone Happier
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Pets want to be part of the celebration too, and they don’t have to miss out entirely. Pet-safe treats are available in Halloween shapes and flavors at most stores. You can also make simple ones at home—pumpkin puree with oats for dogs, or tuna-flavored biscuits for cats.
Decorate With Chew-Proof Materials
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Those hanging skeletons or inflatables might look harmless, but loose cords and thin plastic can quickly turn into chew toys. Puppies are especially prone to exploring decorations with their teeth. Secure decorations high off the ground and wrap exposed wires in tubing. Better yet, stick with lightweight, pet-safe props.
Keep Rabbits and Small Pets Far From the Action
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It’s not just cats and dogs who feel Halloween stress. Rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters may become unsettled by loud noises or sudden changes in light. Move their cages away from windows or common areas. Drape a breathable cover to reduce visual stimulation, and check their food and water early.
Ask Guests to Leave the Pet Alone
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Sudden movements or strange outfits can lead to fear-based behavior. If you’re hosting, set ground rules early: no feeding, no picking up, and no chasing the pets. Most animals feel safest when they can observe the action from a distance without being approached.