Halloween is almost here; that means there will be candy everywhere, decorations in every corner, and lots of costumes – some of them cute and some scary. Pets, however, do not notice the same things about Halloween that humans do. They pay attention to smells, noises, and anything sharp, small, or risky they can chew. Doorbells ringing can add to the perfect chaos on Halloween night.
Now this is exactly why Halloween dog safety tips are not optional to know about. That means you should know about them! In this blog, we will discuss 7 tips to help your pet stay and feel safe on Halloween nights while you maintain your sanity.
Top 7 Halloween Dog Safety Tips
1. Keep Candy Out of Reach
Chocolate is toxic to dogs, and most people are aware of this. But sugar-free candy is just as bad. Xylitol, found in some gums and candies, can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar. They can even swallow wrappers, sticks, and caramel apples. One second left unattended, and if your pet’s nose finds it, it’s a written disaster. So, make sure you store your candy high, probably behind doors, somewhere impossible for your furry companion to find. Seriously, even a small wrapper ingestion can cause panic, too.
2. Decorate Carefully
Lights, garlands, and pointy things look cute to us, but to pets, they are just toys. In fact, they’re the dangerous kind of toys, as they’re more like chewable, knockable, and can be tangled up or shock-inducing. Battery-powered lights are better at such times since they look the same but don’t burn, break, or trip anyone. Now, with that, make sure you keep the fragile and pointy decor out of your furry friend’s reach.
3. Create a Calm Space
On Halloween nights, constant doorbells are ringing, kids shouting, ‘trick or treat,’ and costumes spotted on porches—now seeing this, some pets panic, and some just freeze. In moments like these—a quiet spot, bed, water, and your furry friend’s favorite toy are a lifesaver. Calm dogs mean calm humans, blessing the pet parents with fewer heart attacks at the doorstep.
4. Avoid Open Flames
Flames catch a pet’s attention in seconds — those flickering lights, glowing jack-o’-lanterns, and tiny candles look way too interesting to ignore. But one curious sniff or a wagging tail too close can turn cozy vibes into chaos. Safer bet? Go for LED lights or flameless candles. They look just as good, without the panic of a fire hazard. Everyone wins, including the wagging tail.
5. Parasite Prevention
Outdoor fun, visiting friends, and Halloween parties—they are all a free gateway for fleas, ticks, and parasites. Make sure your furry companion’s parasitic preventatives like NexGard for dogs, Simparica, Bravecto for dogs, or Heartgard Plus are up to date. One dose missed, and the panic is ready to set in.
6. Costumes Must Be Comfortable
Looking cute is fun, sure. But comfort always wins. A costume should never squeeze, block their sight, or make it hard for them to breathe or walk. If a pet starts acting off — maybe they’re hiding, pacing around, or just refusing to move — that’s their way of saying “no, not feeling it.” Take it off right away. The goal isn’t the perfect photo. It’s a dog that still wags its tail after the camera is off.
7. Pet-Specific Treats Only
Giving sugary treats to your pet can be harmful. It has been established that chocolate, xylitol, and sugar substitutes are toxic to pets and should be avoided at all costs. It is safer to give our pets tasty treats that are specially prepared to suit their preferences.
Follow these Halloween pet safety tips, and your festive night is ready to go smoothly. Calm pets are a sign of calm humans, where there is significantly less stress and more fun. It’s about preparing yourself beforehand and paying attention!
Bonus: This Halloween, CanadaVetExpress will have the annual Halloween Sale, where there will be 25% off on all pet care essentials, from flea and tick treatments to wellness products. Use coupon FRIGHT25 at checkout. Stop by, be ready, and make this Halloween safe for every pup.
