Halloween Pet Safety

Protecting Your Pets from Spooky Surprises  

Halloween is a time for costumes, candy, and glowing decorations, but for pets, it can bring more frights than fun. From dangerous treats to spooky strangers at the door, keeping your four-legged friends safe should be at the top of your list this holiday. 

Candy and Dogs: A Dangerous Mix  

Candy is never safe for pets. Chocolate, sugar-free gum, and anything with xylitol can cause serious health problems for dogs and cats. 

• Chocolate: All chocolate is harmful—dark, milk, baking, or white. Even a little can lead to vomiting, restlessness, or worse. 
• Xylitol: This sugar substitute (often in gum, candy, or baked goods) can be deadly to dogs, leading to seizures, collapse, or liver failure. 
• Wrappers & sticks: Beyond the sweets themselves, candy wrappers and lollipop sticks are choking hazards that can block intestines. 

How much chocolate is toxic to dogs? 

Dogs cannot safely eat chocolate because it contains theobromine, which they metabolize slowly. The toxic amount 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. Avoid giving chocolate to your dog.  

What Is Xylitol Toxicity in Dogs? 

One of the scariest Halloween emergencies is xylitol poisoning. Symptoms can appear fast, drooling, weakness, collapse, even seizures. If your dog eats anything with xylitol, treat it as an emergency and get to your vet immediately. 

Bottom line: Candy is for people, never pets. 

Halloween Pet Proofing 

Halloween introduces a lot of excitement—and potential risks—for pets. Preparing your home helps keep your pet comfortable, calm, and out of harm’s way. 

• Costumes: Make sure your pet can move, see, and breathe easily. 
• Decorations: Keep candles, cords, and glow sticks out of reach. 
• Visitors: Constant doorbell rings can be stressful. Create a safe, quiet space for your pet. 
• Pumpkins: Fresh pumpkin is fine, but moldy Jack-o’-lanterns can upset tummies. 

Final Thought: Keep candy away, create a cozy space, and your pet will have a stress-free Halloween while you enjoy the sweets.  

Need Advice? If you have questions or concerns about your pet’s safety this Halloween, contact us at (770) 526-9678. Our team is here to help you keep your four-legged family members happy, healthy, and safe during the spooky season.