Halloween Pet Safety: Spooky Dangers for Dogs & Cats to Avoid

By: Brianna Gunter / Published Oct 10, 2022

The days are getting chillier, and pumpkins are popping up everywhere — Halloween is just around the corner! Like many people you’re probably looking forward to all kinds of ghoulish fun. But are you practicing proper Halloween pet safety?

Whether you plan to trick-or-treat with your furry family member or throw a haunted bash with them at home, it’s important to follow essential Halloween pet safety tips. By being aware of the spooky season’s various dangers for dogs and cats, you can ensure that this year is all treats and no tricks — and by “tricks,” we mean emergency visits to the animal hospital.

7 Halloween hazards for pets

People of all ages look forward to Halloween every year, but it’s important to ensure dogs and cats aren’t accidentally put at risk. Share these 7 Halloween dangers for pets (and tips for prevention) with adults and children alike so the whole family knows how to keep furry family members safe.

Please note that if you believe your pet has ingested any toxic substance, seek veterinary care immediately.

1. Xylitol

You probably already know that chocolate is toxic to cats and dogs alike, but one of the biggest concerns around Halloween candy and pets is xylitol. This chemical compound is used in sugar-free candies (including gum) as well as some brands of peanut butter. Ingestion can cause liver damage, seizures, and other serious health effects.

Of course, it’s not just the ingredients of candy that you have to watch out for. Wrappers in general can be choking hazards, and if swallowed they can cause intestinal blockage. For all of these reasons, keep Halloween candy far out of reach and in a secure, pet-proof container.

2. Alcohol

From pumpkin beers to bowls of boozy punch, alcohol tends to flow more frequently during the Halloween season. It may seem “fun” to give your pal a taste, but this is not healthy or safe. The ethanol in alcohol makes it toxic to pets, putting them at risk of organ failure and even death.

While humans are also at risk of alcohol poisoning if high quantities are consumed, it’s important to remember that your furry friend needs a lot less to be affected. Always ask Halloween party guests to avoid leaving any beverages unattended, and seek immediate veterinary care if you believe your pet has ingested alcohol.

3. Social anxiety

Throwing a Halloween party with pets around? Many dogs and cats are prone to social anxiety, and pet stress in general may even be on the rise. Even pets that are accustomed to being around groups of people may feel suddenly stressed by the sounds and smells during fall holiday parties, which can lead to unwelcome or even dangerous behavior.

To reduce pet social anxiety during parties, always make sure that pets have a quiet, safe room to retreat to. Make sure this space has water, bedding, and your pal’s favorite toy, and let party guests know upfront that this space is off-limits.

In some cases, it may be best to bring anxious pets to a pet sitter’s house instead of keeping them in the home during party time. Your veterinarian can also prescribe anti-anxiety pet medication when appropriate.

4. Spooky decorations

Those plastic spiders and fake webbing can help to transform your home into a haunted house, but they can also be choking hazards for your pet (or if swallowed successfully, lead to intestinal obstruction or damage). It’s also worth being aware of any Halloween décor that contains wires, as these can quickly lead to injury for any furry friends that decide to chew on them. Likewise, any open candle flames should always be kept out of reach of pets.

5.

Pumpkin seeds and plain, cooked, pumpkin in small pieces are fine for dogs and cats, but the whole gourd is not. In cases with pets who like to munch on everything in sight, pumpkin rinds and uncooked portions could lead to bowel obstruction. If you’re using decorative pumpkins or have recently picked some up from the patch, it’s also important to clean them thoroughly to avoid exposing your pal to pesticides.

6. Costumes

From adorable pirate dogs to grumpy cat dragons, dressing up pets for Halloween is very common. One 2022 survey revealed that more than 75 percent of pet parents plan to put their pet in a costume for the holiday — but is it safe? In some cases, no.

Small materials like sequins and pompoms can be easily ingested and lead to obstructions along the digestive tract, while paint can be toxic. In addition to being at risk of physical harm, many pets may simply experience unnecessary stress when put into a costume.

If you do choose to dress your pal up, be ready to remove it when your pet shows signs of stress or discomfort. Never leave pets unattended in a costume. Likewise, any costume you use should be specifically made for pets and allow them full range of movement. Remember — the photos may be cute, but your pet’s wellbeing comes first.

7. Open doors

If you’re like many people, you’re probably planning on welcoming trick-or-treaters at your door this year. But be extra alert — this will create numerous opportunities for pets to escape. Putting up a pet gate or other barrier will help prevent your dog from waltzing out onto the doorstep, but cats can be craftier.

If you enjoy chatting and admiring costumes while you dole out treats, consider sitting out on your doorstep to wait. In cases where the door may be frequently opened and closed (including during Halloween parties), keep your pet in a safe, secure room where escape won’t be an issue.

Protect pets throughout the year

October may be full of spooky hazards for pets, but unexpected injuries and illnesses can occur at any time throughout the year. If you haven’t done so already, now’s a great time to protect your dog or cat with pet insurance. Practicing pet safety tips is always important, but there is no way to be certain disaster will never strike.

Having quality medical coverage in place for your pet will help you be able to afford the high treatment costs that often come with emergency situations. This enables you to spend more time focused on your pet’s recovery and less time worrying about your budget.

Ready to learn more about keeping dogs and cats safe throughout the season? Check out 10 Fall Dangers for Pets!