Halloween Is Scary for Pets. 6 Simple Ways to Keep Yours Safe This Year

The doorbell rings for the fortieth time. A small superhero shrieks "trick or treat!" A bowl of chocolate sits on the floor by the door. And somewhere behind you, your dog has decided this is the most exciting, and most stressful, night of the year.

Halloween is a blast for people. For pets, it can be a minefield. The good news is that a few simple steps make a big difference. Here is what the ASPCA and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recommend.

1. Keep the candy bowl out of reach

This is the big one. Both the ASPCA and the AVMA warn against sharing Halloween treats with pets, for a few reasons:

• Chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats, and dark or baking chocolate is especially dangerous.

• Xylitol, a sugar substitute in some sugar-free candy and gum, is toxic to pets.

• Raisins, sometimes handed out as a "healthy" treat, can cause kidney failure in pets, according to the AVMA.

Dogs are expert sniffers, so "hidden" candy in a bag or coat pocket is rarely hidden enough. Store the stash up high or behind a closed door, and remind kids not to share their haul.

2. Give your pet a quiet room

Strangers in masks, constant knocking and an open front door can overwhelm even a friendly pet. The ASPCA suggests keeping pets who are not very social in a separate, comfortable room during peak trick-or-treating hours.

Make it cozy: a bed, water, and a favorite chew, food puzzle or interactive toy can keep them calm and busy.

3. Watch the front door

Every time you open the door, a nervous pet has a chance to bolt. The AVMA recommends making sure your pet has a microchip, a collar and an ID tag, so that if they do slip out, they can find their way back to you. If you take your dog out after dark, use a reflective collar and a secure leash.

4. Be careful with decorations

• Jack-o'-lanterns and candles can be knocked over by a wagging tail and start a fire. Curious kittens can also get burned.

• Wires and batteries from light-up decorations should be kept out of reach of chewing pets.

• Glow sticks are unlikely to be seriously harmful, the AVMA says, but chewing one releases a bitter liquid that can cause drooling and strange behavior. Keep them away anyway.

5. Rethink the pet costume

Pet costumes are adorable, and Americans are expected to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on them this year. But only dress up a pet who actually seems to enjoy it.

If you do, check that the costume:

• Fits well and lets your pet move, see, hear and breathe freely

• Does not block their mouth, or stop them from barking or meowing

• Has no small, dangling or chewable pieces that could become a choking hazard

Do a trial run a few days early, and never leave a pet alone in costume. If your pet hates it, a festive bandana is a perfectly good compromise.

6. Know who to call

If you think your pet has eaten something toxic, call your veterinarian right away, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. It is worth saving that number in your phone before the 31st, so you are not searching for it in a panic.

Your quick Halloween checklist

1. Candy stored up high, out of nose reach

2. A quiet room set up with water and toys

3. Microchip details up to date, collar and ID tag on

4. Candles and wires out of reach

5. Costume tested, or skipped

6. Vet and poison control numbers saved

The bottom line

Your pet does not need to love Halloween. They just need to get through it safely. A closed door, a high shelf and a little planning are often all it takes.

How does your pet handle Halloween night? Tell me in the comments. Fearless greeter or under-the-bed hider?

This story was written with the help of AI tools and is general information, not veterinary advice. Sources: ASPCA ("Halloween Safety Tips") and the American Veterinary Medical Association ("Halloween pet safety"). If you are worried about your pet, contact your veterinarian.