Halloween Safety Tips for Dogs: Keep Your Pup Calm and Safe

1. Keep Candy Out of Paw’s Reach

Chocolate, xylitol, raisins, and many candies are toxic to dogs. Even small amounts can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, or worse.

• Store all Halloween candy well above your dog’s reach.
• Remind guests and kids not to share human treats.
• Keep an emergency vet number handy - just in case.

2. Watch the Door — and the Disguises

Trick-or-treaters can be scary for dogs. Constant doorbell rings, strange smells, and costumed visitors can trigger stress or anxiety.

• Keep your dog in a quiet, secure room away from the front door.
• Play calming music or white noise to muffle sounds.
• If your dog loves to greet guests, use a leash or baby gate for control.

Related: Read our post on Helping Dogs with Separation Anxiety for additional calming strategies.

3. Costumes: Comfort Before Cute

Dog costumes are adorable — but not every pup enjoys dressing up.

• Always try the costume on days before Halloween.
• Avoid anything tight, restrictive, or covering the eyes.
• Choose breathable fabrics and ensure your dog can move freely.
• Add reflective elements if you’ll be outdoors after dark.

4. Keep Decorations Dog-Safe

Halloween decorations can be just as hazardous as candy.

• Keep candles, fake cobwebs, and cords out of reach.
• Avoid decorations with dangling parts your dog could chew.
• Use battery-operated lights instead of open flames.

5. Provide a Calm, Familiar Space

Even well-adjusted dogs can get overwhelmed by all the excitement.

• Set up a “quiet zone” with their bed, toys, and water bowl.
• Add calming scents like lavender or use a pheromone diffuser.
• Reward calm behavior with treats and praise.

6. Identification and Safety Essentials

If your dog gets spooked and bolts out the door, proper ID can make all the difference.

• Ensure your dog’s tags and microchip info are up to date.
• Keep your dog leashed when opening the door.
• Consider using a reflective collar or harness for evening walks.

7. Dog-Friendly Alternatives

If your dog loves being part of the celebration, find safe ways to include them:

• Attend a local dog park Halloween meetup (check our Dog Parks Directory for events near you).
• Host a calm “dog costume photo day” with friends.
• Treat your pup to a homemade pumpkin dog biscuit instead of candy.

Conclusion

Halloween should be fun for everyone - including your dog. With a little extra care, you can enjoy the festivities while keeping your furry friend safe, calm, and happy.

Remember, not every pup loves the noise and excitement of Halloween - and that’s okay. Celebrate in ways that make them comfortable, and you’ll both have a tail-wagging good time.