Pet Halloween Safety: Beyond Chocolate and Candy Hazards

Halloween is full of tricks, treats, and fun costumes, but for pets, it can also bring unexpected risks. Most pet parents already know that chocolate and candy are off-limits, but there are other hidden hazards this spooky season that can catch you off guard.

At Safe Harbor Animal Hospital, we want to help you think beyond the candy bowl so your pets can enjoy a stress-free, safe Halloween. Here’s what to watch for and how to prepare your home and pets for a night of fright.

Pet Halloween Safety: Unexpected Toxins to Watch For

Everyone knows chocolate is dangerous, but these overlooked items can be just as harmful:

  • Sugar-Free Candy & Gum: Xylitol (a common sugar substitute) can cause life-threatening hypoglycemia in dogs.
  • Glow Sticks & Glow Jewelry: The liquid inside is irritating and can cause drooling, vomiting, or mouth irritation if chewed.
  • Pumpkin Spice Products: Nutmeg and large amounts of cinnamon can be toxic to pets.
  • Decorative Plants: Mums, holly berries, and some ornamental gourds can cause stomach upset or worse.
  • Fake Spider Webs: These can cause intestinal blockages if ingested and are especially dangerous for curious cats.

For more information on the dangers of chocolate, watch this short video:

Keeping these out of reach is an easy way to avoid a late-night emergency visit.

Pet Halloween Safety: Costume Do’s and Don’ts

We love a cute costume as much as anyone, but not every pet is comfortable dressing up. When choosing or making a costume:

  • Make sure it doesn’t restrict breathing, movement, or vision.
  • Avoid small parts or loose strings that could be chewed off and swallowed.
  • Introduce costumes gradually—let your pet sniff, touch, and wear it for short periods before the big night.
  • Always supervise your pet while they’re in costume.

If your pet seems stressed, skip the costume and try a festive collar, bandana, or bowtie instead. 

Pet Halloween Safety: Managing Stress and Containment

Halloween is noisy—doorbells, strange costumes, and unfamiliar smells can overwhelm pets. To help keep them safe and calm:

  • Create a safe space: Give pets a quiet room with their bed, toys, and soft music to drown out noise.
  • Use pet gates or crates: Prevent door-dashers from escaping when you open the door for trick-or-treaters.
  • Check collars & microchips: Make sure ID tags are secure and microchip info is up-to-date just in case they slip out.
  • Try calming aids: Pheromone diffusers, calming treats, or anxiety wraps can help sensitive pets relax.

Pet Halloween Safety: When to Call the Vet

Even with the best preparation, accidents can happen. Contact us right away if your pet:

  • Ingests candy, glow sticks, or non-food items
  • Shows signs of vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, or collapse
  • Becomes extremely anxious or injures themselves trying to escape

Our team at Safe Harbor Animal Hospital is here to help, and we can guide you on whether your pet needs to be seen urgently.

Halloween Safety for Pets: We’re Here for Your Family

At Safe Harbor Animal Hospital, we know pets are part of the family, and holidays should be fun, not frightening. Our team is here to support you with preventive advice, urgent care when needed, and year-round wellness planning.

Call us today at (843) 648-4787 or schedule an appointment online. Together, we can make sure your pet has a safe and happy Halloween season.

Safe Harbor Animal Hospital in Mount Pleasant, SC, is part of Animal Hospitals of the Lowcountry, a family-owned network that includes:

  • Mount Pleasant Animal Hospital – South Mount Pleasant SC, At Coleman Blvd and Old Village
  • Shuler Veterinary Clinic – Central Mount Pleasant SC, At Town Center
  • Safe Harbor Animal Hospital – North Mount Pleasant SC, At North MP and Hwy 41