Halloween is a blast for us. For a lot of dogs, it's a night of strangers in masks, a doorbell that never stops, and a candy bowl at nose level. A little planning keeps the spooky stuff fun for everyone, your bestie included.
Lock up the candy
Chocolate and xylitol are the big two. Xylitol is a sweetener in many sugar-free candies and gums, and it's dangerous for dogs even in small amounts. Keep the candy bowl up high, and remind kids that their haul stays out of reach. Wrappers count too: a dog that gulps down a pile of foil and plastic can end up with an upset stomach or worse.
If your dog gets into candy, call your vet or an emergency animal hospital right away. Don't wait for symptoms.
Watch the glow sticks
Dogs love to chew them, and a punctured glow stick can leave your pup drooling and wired. Keep them on kids, not on the floor.
Costumes: comfy or skip it
Some dogs love dressing up. Many don't. A good costume:
- Doesn't cover the eyes, ears, or nose
- Lets them move, breathe, and bark normally
- Has no small pieces they can chew off and swallow
Try it on a few days early and watch their body language. If you see a tucked tail, freezing, or lip licking, the costume can stay in the bag. A festive bandana works just as well for the photo. And never leave a costumed dog alone.
Make the door a no-dash zone
Trick-or-treaters mean the front door opens dozens of times. That's dozens of chances to slip out.
- Put your dog in a quiet room or behind a gate before the first knock
- Make sure their collar has a current ID tag and their microchip info is up to date
- If you're walking them after dark, use a reflective collar or leash
Give anxious dogs a safe space
A quiet room with their bed, some water, a chew, and the TV or music on can turn a scary night into a nap. If your dog has a hard time with noise and strangers, talk to your vet ahead of time about calming options. Our guide to keeping your dog calm during fireworks and thunderstorms has more ideas that work on Halloween too.
When to call your vet
- They ate chocolate, sugar-free candy, or gum
- They swallowed wrappers, a toy, or part of a costume
- They're vomiting, shaking, or acting unusually wired or wobbly
A safe Halloween is a happy one. Keep the treats up high, the door under control, and the costumes optional. Because a dog is a bestie, and besties deserve a night of treats, not tricks.