Halloween Pet Safety: Candy, Costumes and the Doorbell
Candy
Chocolate and sugar-free sweets containing xylitol are the main dangers. Keep the candy bowl high up and remind children not to share. Wrappers can also cause blockages. If chocolate does go missing, see what to do if your dog eats chocolate.
Glow sticks and jack-o'-lanterns
Glow stick liquid tastes very bitter and usually causes drooling rather than poisoning, but it can sting the eyes. Use LED candles in pumpkins so tails and paws do not get burned, and throw carved pumpkins away once they go soft, because mouldy pumpkin is a risk for dogs.
Costumes
- Only use costumes your pet tolerates calmly.
- Nothing should restrict breathing, sight, hearing or movement.
- Remove small chewable parts and supervise at all times.
The doorbell
Constant visitors stress many pets and give them chances to bolt. Keep pets in a quiet room with a closed door during trick-or-treat hours and make sure they wear ID.
Black cats
Many owners keep all cats indoors around Halloween as a sensible precaution.