At Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital – Bellingham, we see an increase in Halloween-related emergencies every fall. With a little preparation, you can keep your furry friends safe while still enjoying the holiday spirit. Here’s what every pet owner should watch out for.
Candy and Halloween Treats: A Big No for Pets
It’s tempting to share—but Halloween candy is often dangerous for dogs and cats. Some of the most common toxins we see include:
- Chocolate: contains theobromine and caffeine, which can lead to vomiting, seizures, or even heart issues.
- Xylitol: this sugar substitute can trigger a dangerous drop in blood sugar or liver damage.
- Grapes and raisins: known to cause kidney failure in dogs.
- Macadamia nuts and alcohol: also common culprits of toxicity.
- Even candy wrappers can pose a choking hazard or cause gastrointestinal blockages if ingested.
Tip: Keep candy and wrappers well out of reach. Avoid leaving bowls of candy unattended, and don’t assume that pets won’t help themselves when you’ve turned your back.
Costumes Can Be Cute — But Not Always Safe
Dressing up your pet can be adorable, but not all pets enjoy—or tolerate—costumes.
- Ill-fitting costumes can hinder movement, block vision, or make breathing harder.
- Loose pieces or embellishments can be chewed off, swallowed, or turned into choking hazards.
- If your pet is anxious or overstimulated in a costume, they might try to escape or act unpredictably.
Tip: Introduce costumes gradually. Start with simple accessories (like a bandana or collar attachment) and let pets get used to wearing them before Halloween night. Always supervise a costumed pet.
Decorations & Spooky Setups: Keep Them Out of Reach
Decorations help set the Halloween mood—but some of them are dangerous to curious pets. Hazards include:
- Glow sticks
- Faux spider webs
- Jack-o-lanterns and lit candles
- Batteries or battery-powered decor
- Small plastic or prop decorations
- Loose cords or lights
Pets may chew, swallow, or knock these items over, leading to burns, poisoning, electrical injury, or gastrointestinal obstruction.
Tip: Place decorations where pets can’t reach them, secure cords and lights, and consider using battery-powered “candles” instead of real flames.
Trick-or-Treat Traffic: Anxiety or Escape Risk
Halloween night means lots of foot traffic—kids in costumes, ringing doorbells, lots of noise. This can be very stressful or confusing for some pets.
- Pets may become anxious or fearful from the constant doorbell ringing or strangers at the door.
- Curious or nervous pets might bolt out of the door if left unsupervised.
Tip: Consider keeping pets in a separate, secure room or area during trick-or-treat hours—away from the front door, with water, familiar bedding, and toys. Make sure your pets are wearing ID tags or are microchipped, just in case they do slip out.
What to Do in an Emergency
If your pet does get into Halloween candy, swallows a costume piece, or chews a decoration and you’re not sure what to do:
- Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Early intervention can make a big difference.
- Call your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary hospital immediately.
- Bring any packaging or wrappers with you. It helps the veterinary team quickly identify the toxin or hazard.
- Watch for concerning signs: vomiting, drooling, pacing, lethargy, uncoordinated movements, seizures, or sudden changes in behaviour.
- If you need help right away, visit our Emergency Services page for contact information and directions.
Keeping Halloween Safe—and Fun
Halloween can be a fun time for everyone, including pets, as long as we take a few precautions.
- Store candy and decorations out of reach.
- Introduce costumes slowly and always supervise.
- Create a quiet, secure space for your pet on busy evenings.
- Monitor your pet closely whenever something new—food, costume, decoration—comes into their environment.
During times of veterinary emergencies, our expert team, in collaboration with the knowledgeable team at Animal Emergency Care, works tirelessly to provide 24-hour emergency care for pet owners in and around Bellingham and the greater Northwest Washington region.
Learn more or find emergency support here: Boundary Bay Bellingham Emergency Care
