Dog owners warned of dos and don’ts for a safe Halloween with your pet

Halloween is a time of spooky fun, costumes and sweet treats, but while the celebrations are exciting for us, they can be frightening and even dangerous for our dogs. From unfamiliar noises, flashing decorations and tempting treats, October 31st brings a host of hazards that pet owners should be aware of. 

To help keep our dogs calm and safe this Halloween, Edward Creaser, dog expert and Director of the Natural Dog Food Company, shares his essential dos and don’ts for navigating spooky season with a pet.

1. Halloween sweets and treats

It’s no surprise that the biggest Halloween temptation for dogs is the sweet bowl. Many seasonal treats are highly toxic to pets, including:

• Chocolate – especially dark varieties, which contain high levels of theobromine, or chocolate containing raisins, as these are also poisonous to dogs.
• Xylitol (found in sugar-free sweets and chewing gum) can cause severe, rapid poisoning.
• Dogs may also swallow sweet wrappers, risking choking or intestinal blockage. 

The same goes for crisps, nuts, and alcohol at parties; none of it is safe for pets.

2. Decorations and props 

Fake cobwebs, flickering flames, and spooky sound effects can add atmosphere, but to a curious dog, they can pose a big threat. 

• Candles and lit pumpkins can be easily knocked over, causing burns or fire.
• Batteries and wiring from flashing decorations may cause an electric shock or chemical burns if chewed.
• Small props like fake eyeballs or plastic spiders can be mistaken for toys and swallowed.

3. Trick-or-Treaters and guests 

The doorbell ringing all evening, strangers in masks and excited children can be extremely distressing for dogs. Even confident pets may find Halloween confusing and overstimulating.

Create a safe environment for your dog with these simple, but effective, canine calming tips:

• Create a safe space away from the front door with a bed, blanket and toys.
• Use baby gates to prevent accidental escapes.
• If hosting guests, ask them to greet your dog calmly or offer a treat to create positive associations.

4. Dog costumes 

Dressing dogs up can be a Halloween highlight for owners, but not all pets enjoy it. Costumes can restrict movement, cause overheating, or anxiety, especially if they include hats, masks, or unfamiliar materials.

Costume safety tips:

• Start simple with a themed bandana or collar to see how your dog reacts.
• Check the fit – it should allow full movement, breathing and vision with no tight straps or rubbing.
• Avoid small parts like buttons or tassels that could be chewed off and swallowed.
• Supervise at all times and remove the outfit if your dog shows signs of stress or tries to escape it.

5. Fireworks, sparklers and outdoor hazards

Increasingly, fireworks are being used during Halloween as well as Bonfire Night. Sudden loud bangs and bright flashes can trigger severe anxiety in dogs. Research from The Kennel Club revealed that four in five (80%) owners (80%) notice significant changes in their dog’s behaviour during fireworks.*

Preparation is key to helping keep your dog safe from Halloween fireworks. Keep your pooch safe with these simple focuses:  

• Give your dog an early evening walk before fireworks begin.
• Close curtains and play calming background noise, like classical music, at home.
• Check your garden for leftover debris, sparklers or broken props before letting your dog out.

Edward Creaser advises dog owners: 

“By taking a few simple precautions, your dog can enjoy Halloween safely. Always keep your dog on a lead when outside to prevent them from darting after trick-or-treaters or becoming startled by costumes. Watch for signs of stress such as panting, whining, or hiding, and provide a quiet space if they seem overwhelmed.”