8 Halloween Dangers to Dogs (& Tips to Keep Your Pupkin Safe)

As we move through October, the countdown to Halloween begins! I must admit, I’ve already watched Hocus Pocus (1 & 2), Halloween Town, and all the horror flicks, which are really getting me into the spooky season spirit. Now, it’s all about the creepy decor, costumes, and candy. But along with the fun this season brings, comes a bit of fright for our canine kids. Follow these tips and you’ll have no reason to be PET-rified this season!


1. Keep Chocolates Away From Fido

Most dog parents know chocolate is toxic to dogs. But get this: According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, chocolate calls still make up 6% of their total call volume (that’s more than 30 calls a day)

So, what makes chocolate so dangerous for our canine companions? Well, it contains caffeine, as well as a chemical called theobromine (AKA a cousin chemical to caffeine). Our dogs can’t metabolize these compounds as well as people can, making them much more sensitive to effects. Depending on the type of chocolate, amount eaten, and size of your dog, chocolate can cause:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Increased thirst
  • Excessive urination
  • Panting 
  • Restlessness
  • Racing heart rate

In severe cases, symptoms can also include muscle tremors, seizures, and heart failure. Chocolate toxicity symptoms usually occur between 4-24 hours after your dog has eaten chocolate. 

Here’s what you need to know: The darker and more bitter the chocolate, the more dangerous it is to dogs. Ranking from worst: Dry cocoa powder, baker’s chocolate, dark chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, and milk chocolate.

Find out more about chocolate toxicity in dogs HERE.


2. Watch Other Dangerous Treats

Along with the influx of chocolates lying around your home this season, pet parents should also keep the following away from their canine cuties:

  • Candy – The biggest concern with candy is that it may include xylitol, a sugar substitute that is toxic to pets. 
  • Hard Candies – Along with xylitol, according to the AKC, “Large quantities of hard candies and gum can clump up in the stomach and cause a risk of obstruction.”
  • Raisins – While it hasn’t been identified as to what the exact toxin is that makes grapes dangerous to dogs, it is well documented that even small amounts of grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure and even death. 
  • Candy Wrappers – It’s not just the candy that poses a potential risk for dogs, but also the wrappers. If ingested, candy wrappers can become lodged in your dog’s throat or intestinal tract, requiring surgery to remove. 

Altogether, the Pet Poison Helpline reports: 

“During the week of Halloween, calls to the veterinarians at Pet Poison Helpline increase by 12 percent, making it the call center’s busiest time of year.” 

If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please call your regular veterinarian, local emergency vet, or the Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661. The Pet Poison Helpline is available 24/7. Here’s how they work:

  1. Call their number to speak with credentialed veterinary professionals. A $75 incident fee applies. They will gather information about your dog’s poison exposure.
  2. They run calculations and will determine if your pup can be monitored from home or if they should be seen by your veterinarian.
  3. If veterinary care is warranted, they will work together with your veterinarian to develop a treatment plan specific to your dog.

3. Costumes for Canines

When it comes to Halloween, do you like dressing your dog up in cute costumes? I do! My two pups have been superheroes, minions, skeletons, witches, and tacos. This year, they’re dressing up as spiders, and my husband and I will wear webs. While it’s fun to dress our dogs, just make sure their costume is comfortable, fits properly, doesn’t restrict their movement, doesn’t cover their eyes to cut off vision, and isn’t too tight around their neck to potentially restrict breathing. Also, ditch the hair dye! 


4. Dreadful Decor

Dogs are curious creatures who love exploring the world with their mouths. So, as you decorate your home, make sure to tuck electrical wires, wrap pseudo spider webs up high (out of your pup’s reach), and opt for battery-operated candles versus real ones. A note on candles: Keep them away from curious noses and wagging tails. Sometimes our pups don’t realize something is hot until they get burned.


5. Glow Stick

Glow sticks and glow jewelry are super fun on Halloween and a great way for parents to quickly spot their children when walking on a dark Halloween night. But, if you plan to get glow-in-the-dark necklaces and bracelets, make sure they’re kept far away from Fido’s mouth. They’re easy for dogs to chew through and, if punctured, the toxic liquid inside will leak out. This can cause mouth pain and irritation to dogs.


6. Doorbell Dilemma 

Confession: My two dogs have terrible doorbell manners. When the doorbell rings, they immediately run to the front door, look up at the doorknob, and start barking as loud as they possibly can. Does that sound familiar? Yeah, I know I’m not alone with this one. So, come Halloween night, you can imagine how stressful the doorbell can be for both our pets and us! 

That’s why, during trick-or-treat time, I usually tuck my little guys into the primary bedroom with a bowl of water and the TV turned on. Then, I sit outside on my porch and wait for the kiddos to arrive. That way no one rings the doorbell and makes my furbabies upset and the kids don’t get scared off by their barking. Win/win!

Extra Tip: Exercise your pup before trick-or-treat time so they’re tired and more likely to snooze as you’re outside handing out candy.


7. Out and About

While it’s recommended to keep pets indoors in a comfortable and safe room on Halloween night, if you’re taking your kids (the two-legged kind) trick-or-treating and plan to bring your canine companion along for the walk then make sure he’s comfortable on a leash. If your dog has a reflective harness and leash set then use it during your nighttime stroll. Also, even the most socialized dog can get spooked, so make sure your dog is sporting his ID tag with up-to-date contact info (it’s always better to be safe than sorry).


8. Don’t Leave Your Pets Outside Unattended

Aside from supervised potty breaks in the backyard, keep pets inside the day before Halloween, on Halloween night, and the day after Halloween (even if they’re behind an enclosed fence). This is to stay clear of cruel pranksters. While any pet can be a target, black cats are reportedly at the greatest risk.