Halloween is this Saturday and brings candy, costumes and trick-or-treaters to neighborhoods across South Jersey, but the festivities can pose unexpected dangers for dogs and cats.
From tempting treats to decorations and frequent visitors at the front door, pet owners can take several precautions to help their four-legged family members enjoy a safe and stress-free holiday.
Keep candy out of reach
Halloween candy is one of the biggest hazards for pets. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), chocolate, particularly dark and baking chocolate, can be toxic to dogs and cats. Sugar-free candy and gum containing xylitol, an artificial sweetener, can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar in dogs. Raisins and candy wrappers also pose risks.
The ASPCA recommends storing candy in closed containers or cabinets where pets cannot reach it. Trick-or-treat bags should also be kept off the floor and away from curious noses.
Pet owners should resist sharing human treats with their animals and instead offer pet-safe snacks.
If a pet eats chocolate, sugar-free candy or another potentially dangerous substance, owners should contact a veterinarian or emergency veterinary hospital immediately rather than waiting for symptoms to appear.
Create a calm, secure space
The constant ringing of doorbells, opening of doors and arrival of costumed visitors can frighten pets, even those that are usually comfortable around people.
The ASPCA recommends keeping pets in a quiet, comfortable room away from the front door during peak trick-or-treating hours. Providing familiar toys, bedding and other comforts can help reduce stress.
Keeping dogs and cats separated from the entrance also helps prevent them from slipping outside when visitors arrive. Cats that typically spend time outdoors should be kept inside during Halloween festivities.
Owners should ensure their pets wear collars with current identification and that microchip information is up to date in case an animal escapes.
Choose costumes carefully
Pet costumes may be popular for Halloween photos, but not every animal enjoys getting dressed up.
If a dog or cat tolerates a costume, owners should ensure it fits properly and does not restrict movement, vision or breathing. Costumes should not interfere with a pet’s ability to bark or meow, and they should not contain small, dangling pieces that could be chewed off and swallowed.
The ASPCA advises trying costumes on pets before Halloween to see how they respond. If an animal appears distressed or behaves unusually, owners should remove the costume and consider a simpler alternative, such as a festive bandana.
Pets wearing costumes should never be left unsupervised.
Watch decorations and outdoor hazards
Halloween decorations can also create problems for curious pets. Lit pumpkins and candles can be knocked over, while electrical cords may cause injuries if chewed. Small decorations, fake spiders, loose strings and glow sticks can become choking hazards or cause illness if swallowed.
The American Animal Hospital Association recommends keeping potentially dangerous decorations out of pets’ reach and using flameless candles as a safer alternative.
Owners taking dogs outside after dark should use a secure leash and reflective gear to help drivers see them. Even a normally calm dog may become startled by unfamiliar costumes, noises or crowds.
Know when to seek help
Pet owners should keep their veterinarian’s contact information handy before Halloween. If a pet ingests candy or swallows part of a decoration, professional guidance can help determine whether treatment is necessary.
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is available at 888-426-4435.
With a little preparation, families can enjoy Halloween festivities while keeping their dogs and cats safe from the holiday’s hidden hazards.
Julia graduated from Rider University in 2024 with a BA in multiplatform journalism and minor in social media strategies. In addition to reporting on local news for Shore Local, she is a social media strategist for small businesses. Connect with her: shorelocaljulia@gmail.com or @juliatrain on Instagram.
