Halloween Decor and Treats to Watch Out For With Pets

Halloween is a favorite holiday for many of us. Costumes, decorations, and candy fill the season with excitement. For our furry friends though, Halloween can bring hidden dangers. Dogs and cats are naturally curious and may explore things that can harm them. As pet owners, we need to stay mindful of what we bring into our homes during this spooky time of year.

At KLR Medical Certification Training School, we make it a priority to teach students about the potential dangers that can come with each holiday season. These times are meant to be filled with fun, love, and laughter, and the last thing we want is for a student’s break to be overshadowed by an accident or the loss of a beloved pet.

Decorations to Keep Out of Reach

1. Glow sticks and glow jewelry

Many Halloween parties and trick or treating nights include glow sticks or glow necklaces. Cats especially love to chew on them, but the liquid inside can cause excessive drooling, stomach upset, and even burns in the mouth.

2. Candles and jack o lanterns

Open flames are very risky with pets. Dogs and cats may accidentally tip over a lit pumpkin or candle, which can result in burns or even house fires. If you want the glow without the risk, choose battery operated candles instead.

3. Fake spider webs and stringy decor

Stretchy fake cobwebs, tinsel, and string decorations look fun to us but can be deadly if swallowed by pets. They can block the intestines and lead to emergency surgery.

4. Plastic skeleton parts and small trinkets

Small decorations can be seen as toys. If chewed or swallowed, they may cause choking or blockages. Always keep small items out of reach of curious paws.

Halloween Treats That Are Dangerous

1. Chocolate

Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to both dogs and cats. Dark chocolate is the most dangerous, but even small amounts of milk chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and serious illness. And it brings us to some of our scary stories I'm sure we all have all heard, like the one Mrs. Evans had inside the vet office.

“One Halloween, I treated a sweet Labrador who had helped himself to a bowl of chocolate candy meant for trick-or-treaters. What started as a fun night quickly became an emergency visit. He was lucky and made a full recovery, but not every pet is. That experience is why I always remind families that pets see Halloween differently—candy, costumes, and decorations can all pose risks. If you find your pet has encountered a hazard or suspect they may have, don’t hesitate to call your veterinarian or local ER/urgent care. They are there to help. By keeping treats tucked away, decorations out of reach, and giving pets a safe space, we can make sure the night stays fun and safe for the whole family.”

– Jenaia Evans, BS, LVT, Veterinary Sciences Curriculum Coordinator

2. Sugar free candy with xylitol

Many sugar free gums and candies contain xylitol, which is extremely poisonous to dogs. It can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar and even liver failure. Cats are not as likely to eat these treats, but they can still be harmed.

3. Raisins and grapes

Some people hand out small boxes of raisins as a healthier option for trick or treating. Unfortunately, even a few raisins can lead to kidney failure in dogs. Cats are also at risk if they eat them.

4. Candy wrappers

Even if your pet does not get into the candy itself, the wrappers can be just as dangerous. Foil, plastic, and cellophane can block the intestines if swallowed.

How to Keep Your Pets Safe

• Store all candy in sealed containers and never leave it where pets can reach.

• Use pet safe alternatives for lighting, such as LED candles.

• Supervise your pets around decorations, or keep certain areas off limits.

• Make sure your pet has a quiet, safe space during trick or treating to reduce stress and prevent accidents.

• Share safe treats made for pets if you want them to join in the fun.

Student, Faith K., provided the following insight, “I can ensure my animal stays safe during holiday seasons by first of all always being with him when I let him outside to roam or go to the bathroom, and to keep his food/ingredients in the food good/healthy and normal. Secondly I could put a stink spray on all the ornaments/decorations he might want to eat/play around with, that only dogs/cats can smell so it wouldn't bother humans, but my dog wouldn't want to eat it. I could always just put all the decorations/candy/any other holiday thing up on a high space where he wouldn't get it, or in a cabinet with a child lock.”