Halloween Safety for Pets

keep your furry friends safe and happy this spooky season!

Halloween Tips

Halloween is a fun and festive time of year but for pets, it can also bring unexpected dangers. From tempting treats to spooky costumes and noisy parties, here are a few simple steps to help make sure your pets enjoy a safe and stress-free Halloween.

1. Hide the treats

Those bowls of Halloween sweets may look harmless, but many seasonal treats are toxic to pets.

  • Chocolate, especially dark or baking chocolate, can be very dangerous for dogs and cats.

  • Sugar-free sweets containing xylitol can cause severe illness.

Keep all treats well out of reach, and remind children and guests not to share sweets with pets.

👉 Extra Tip: If you suspect your pet has eaten chocolate, you can use the Chocolate Toxicity Calculator to estimate risk — but always contact your vet right away.

2. Keep Calm During Parties

Halloween means doorbells, costumes, and visitors — all of which can be unsettling for animals.
To reduce stress:

  • Keep pets in a quiet, secure room away from the front door.

  • Set up a cosy den with their favourite bed, toys, or a food puzzle.

  • Play gentle background noise (TV or music) to help mask unfamiliar sounds.

Be cautious with decorations too — carved pumpkins with candles can be a fire risk. Curious cats and wagging tails can easily knock them over, so opt for battery-operated tea lights instead.

3. Be Careful with Costumes

While pet costumes can be adorable, not all pets enjoy dressing up.

  • Only dress your pet if they are comfortable with it.

  • Ensure the costume does not restrict movement, sight, breathing, or vocalisation.

  • Avoid loose parts that could be chewed or swallowed.

If your pet shows signs of stress or discomfort, it’s best to let them celebrate in their natural “birthday suit.”

4. Keep Pets Identifiable

Halloween night brings extra foot traffic and spooky sights — which can easily startle pets and cause them to run off.
Make sure:

  • Dogs and cats wear a collar with an ID tag.

  • Dogs are microchipped (as required by law in Scotland).

  • Contact details linked to your pet’s microchip are up to date.

These simple steps greatly improve the chances of a quick and safe reunion if your pet gets lost.

A final word

Halloween can be safe and fun for everyone — including your pets — with just a bit of planning.

If you have any concerns about your pet’s safety, stress levels, or if they accidentally ingest something harmful, please contact your veterinary team immediately.