For many families, Halloween is one of the most anticipated nights of the year. Candy bowls overflow, kids put on their costumes, and neighborhoods come alive with trick-or-treaters. But while the holiday is full of fun for people, it can be a confusing and stressful experience for dogs. Strange sounds at the door, flashing decorations, tempting bowls of candy, and tight costumes can quickly turn into hazards. 

The good news is that with a little planning, pet parents can make Halloween safe and enjoyable for everyone. We’ll cover the essential safety steps every pet parent should know and share why boarding your dog could be the easiest way to protect them, reduce stress, and let them enjoy the holiday too! 

Quick Halloween Dog Safety Checklist 

Before we dive into the details, here’s a quick checklist of the most important steps to keep your dog safe this Halloween: 

• Keep all candy and gum out of reach (chocolate, raisins, and xylitol are toxic to dogs) 

• Provide a calm space away from the door during trick-or-treating 

• Make sure pet costumes fit properly and avoid dangling parts 

• Keep candles, glow sticks, cords, and decorations out of reach 

• Double-check your dog’s ID tag and microchip information 

• For emergencies, our trusted partner Ethos Veterinary Health has a nationwide network of specialty and emergency hospitals, or be sure to know where your nearest emergency veterinary clinic is and keep their number handy 

• Consider daycare/boarding if your home will be busy or you will be out for the evening 

Now that you’ve seen the essentials at a glance, here’s what you need to know to make sure each step is done right. 

Keep Candy and Treats Secure

Halloween candy is a highlight of the season for kids, but for dogs it is a source of real danger. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), chocolate, raisins, and sugar-free gum with xylitol can all cause life-threatening illness. Even candy wrappers can be harmful if swallowed. Because you cannot always tell which ingredients are inside a treat, the safest option is to keep all candy and gum well out of reach.

Parents can also teach children a simple rule: no matter how much your dog begs, never share Halloween treats with pets. By planning ahead, you can avoid late-night trips to the emergency vet and keep the holiday enjoyable for everyone.

Reduce Stress from Trick-or-Treaters

Halloween brings a steady flow of doorbell rings and unfamiliar visitors in costumes, which can be unsettling for many dogs. Instead of letting your pup endure the chaos, create a calm space away from the action. Choose a quiet room stocked with their bed, favorite toys, and some soothing background noise like music or a white noise machine.

Taking this step not only reduces anxiety but also prevents accidents, like pets darting out the front door when it opens. If your neighborhood is particularly busy or if you are planning to host a party, consider daycare or boarding so your dog can enjoy a safe and calm environment while you celebrate.

Costume and Decoration Safety

Dressing pets in costumes can be adorable, but safety must always come first. Costumes should fit comfortably without blocking sight, breathing, or movement. Avoid designs with small or dangling pieces that can be chewed off and swallowed. The American Veterinary Medical Association suggests introducing costumes slowly before Halloween night so your pet feels comfortable and never leaving a costumed pet unsupervised.

Home decorations can be just as risky. Glow sticks, cords, batteries, and small objects can become choking hazards. Lit candles and jack-o-lanterns are also dangerous if knocked over. Consider pet-safe alternatives like LED candles or decorations placed out of reach to reduce the risk of accidents. 

When to Seek Veterinary Help 

Despite best efforts, accidents can happen. During the week of Halloween, calls to Pet Poison Helpline rise by about 12 percent, making it their busiest time of year. If your dog ingests something toxic or begins showing signs of distress, do not wait, immediate veterinary care is often essential. Be sure to now where your nearest emergency veterinary clinic is located and keep their number easily accessible. 

If you are not sure where to take your pet, Ethos Veterinary Health operates a nationwide network of specialty and emergency hospitals dedicated to providing world-class care and compassion during times of need. Explore Ethos Veterinary hospital locations near you and make sure you have a plan in place for visiting an emergency clinic if your pet ever needs urgent care. Save your nearest Ethos hospital number in your phone now, so you don’t lose precious time in an emergency!

Consider Boarding or Daycare for Peace of Mind 

Sometimes the best way to protect your pup is to remove them from the chaos altogether. If you are heading out for the evening, hosting a party, or live in a neighborhood with heavy trick-or-treat traffic, boarding or daycare can be a stress-free solution. At PetSuites, dogs enjoy supervised play, enrichment activities, and the comfort of trained staff ensuring their safety. 

Many locations even host Halloween activities such as themed photo shoots, trick-or-treating for dogs, costume contests, and raffles! Booking a stay gives your dog a safe and fun way to celebrate the holiday while giving you peace of mind. 

Wrapping Up a Safe (and Fun) Halloween

Halloween does not have to be a stressful night for your dog. By keeping candy secure, creating calm spaces, ensuring costumes and decorations are safe, and keeping identification current, you can protect your pup from common hazards. Between Ethos Veterinary Health’s emergency readiness and PetSuites’ safe, supervised environment, you can enjoy Halloween knowing your pup is in good hands.

Book a stay at your local PetSuites for Halloween and be sure to explore all of our pet parent guides for additional pet care tips!