How to Keep Your Pet Safe & Spooky-Free This Halloween: A Keira's Doghouse Guide

The air is crisp, the leaves are turning, and the spookiest night of the year is just around the corner! While we’re busy picking out costumes and stocking up on candy, it’s important to remember that Halloween can be a genuinely frightening and even dangerous time for our pets.

At Keira's Doghouse, we believe a happy pet is a safe pet. So, we’ve put together this guide to help you navigate the tricks and treats of the season, ensuring everyone—including your four-legged family members—has a howling good time.

1. The Candy Cauldron: No Treats for Pets!

This is the golden rule, but it bears repeating. The bowl of candy for trick-or-treaters is a minefield for curious noses.

• Chocolate is Toxic: Especially dark chocolate and baking chocolate. It contains theobromine and caffeine, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, and even seizures.

• Beware of Xylitol: This artificial sweetener is found in many sugar-free candies, gums, and even some peanut butters. It can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar and liver failure in dogs.

• Wrappers are a Hazard: Ingested foil or cellophane can cause choking or life-threatening intestinal blockages.

The Safe Bet: Keep all candy in a high, secure place. Have some of your pet’s own favorite treats on hand to distract them.

2. Costume Considerations: Cute or Cruel?

We get it—a puppy in a hot dog costume is irresistible! But always put your pet’s comfort and safety first.

• Comfort Over Comedy: Avoid costumes that restrict movement, breathing, or vision. Make sure there are no small, chewy parts they can tear off and swallow.

• Do a Trial Run: Let your pet wear the costume for short periods before the big night. Watch for signs of stress like panting, whining, or freezing.

• The Perfect Compromise: If your pet seems miserable in a full outfit, a festive Halloween-themed bandana is a comfortable and stylish alternative! (Psst... we might know a place that makes those. 😉)

3. Doorbell Dangers & The Great Escape

The constant stream of strangers in scary costumes and the relentless doorbell ringing can be incredibly stressful for pets.

• Create a Safe Haven: Set up a quiet, cozy room away from the front door with your pet’s bed, favorite toys, and some water. Turning on a TV or white noise machine can help drown out the spooky sounds.

• Keep Them Secure: With the door opening frequently, the risk of a scared pet bolting is high. Ensure your pet’s microchip information is up-to-date and that they are wearing a secure collar with an ID tag.

• Consider an Early Walk: Take your dog for a long walk or play session before the trick-or-treating begins to help them burn off energy and settle down more easily.

4. Decorations: Not a Chew Toy

From flickering flames to dangling cords, our spooky decor can pose unseen risks.

• Open Flames: Never leave a pet unattended around lit pumpkins or candles. A wagging tail can easily knock them over, starting a fire or causing burns.

• Electrical Cords: Tape down or hide cords for electric decorations to prevent chewing and electric shock.

• Glow Sticks & Fake Blood: While generally low in toxicity, the liquid in glow sticks can cause irritation and drooling. Fake blood can contain harmful ingredients and cause stomach upset.

5. A Special Note for Our Black Cats & Dogs

We love our dark-furred friends, but outdated and harmful superstitions unfortunately still exist. For their safety, it’s best to keep black cats and dogs entirely indoors in the days leading up to and on Halloween. It’s a simple precaution that can prevent a tragedy.

By taking a few simple steps, you can ensure that Halloween is filled with fun, not frights, for your entire family. From all of us at Keira's Doghouse, we wish you a safe, happy, and spook-tacular Halloween!