Halloween Pet Safety

Keep the Tricks Away from Your Treat-Loving Pets  

Halloween is full of spooky fun, but for pets, it can be more frightful than delightful. From tempting treats to glowing decorations, it’s important to keep safety top of mind. Follow these Halloween pet safety tips to make sure your four-legged friends enjoy the holiday safely. 

Candy and Dogs: A Frightening Combo 

Candy is for the kids, not for canines (or cats!). Chocolate, sugar-free gum, and anything containing xylitol are all dangerous for pets. 

• Chocolate: Dogs can’t safely eat chocolate, period. Even a nibble can cause vomiting, restlessness, or worse. 
• Xylitol: Found in sugar-free candies, gums, and baked goods, xylitol can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar and even liver failure. 
• Candy wrappers & lollipops: Not just sticky, but also choking hazards and stomach blockers. 

Always keep raisins or products with raisins away from your dog. Raisins can be toxic even if ingested in small amounts. 

How much chocolate is dangerous for a dog? 

The toxic dose of chocolate for dogs depends on the type of chocolate and your dog’s size. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate contain much higher levels of theobromine than milk chocolate, making them more dangerous in smaller amounts. Avoid giving any amount and any type of chocolate to your dog.  

Xylitol Toxicity in Dogs  

Xylitol poisoning in dogs is one of the scariest Halloween emergencies. Symptoms can appear quickly and include drooling, weakness, collapse, and seizures. If you think your dog has eaten anything with xylitol, treat it as an emergency and head to the vet right away. 

The rule is simple: no Halloween candy for pets—ever. 
Contact your vet, Airport Animal Emergi-Center (317-248-0832), or your closest emergency vet immediately if you have any concerns. 

Safe Spaces and Halloween Hazards 

Halloween is full of sights, sounds, and people that can be exciting for humans, but potentially risky for pets. Here’s how to keep them safe from common hazards while still enjoying the festivities. 

• Costume check: Dress-up should be fun, not restrictive. Make sure your pet can move, see, and breathe comfortably. 
• Decoration danger: Pets love to chew. Keep cords, candles, and glow sticks out of reach. Especially important to watch our cats around any strings or ribbons as they are choking hazards or lead to GI blockages. 
• Trick-or-treat chaos: Constant doorbell rings and costumed visitors can stress pets or give them a chance to dash outside. Set up a cozy, quiet spot just for them. 
• Pumpkin patrol: Plain pumpkin is safe, but moldy, old Jack-o’-lanterns can upset tummies. 

Halloween should be full of sweet memories, not emergency vet visits. Keep candy far from furry friends, secure decorations, and give pets a safe, quiet space away from the spooky chaos.  

If you have any questions about your pet’s safety this Halloween, give us a call at (317) 516-5921.