🎃 Halloween: What Are the Dangers? What Are the Best Precautions?

The arrival of autumn marks Halloween, a tradition celebrated on October 31st. While this period is full of laughter, treats, and spooky costumes, it also poses several risks for our dogs and cats.

Key principle : prevention and vigilance to ensure their well-being and safety.

I. Halloween Hazards for Pets

The main risks during this time include food poisoning, ingestion of foreign objects, and stress caused by the unusual activity on Halloween night.

1. Digestive Poisoning from Treats

The abundance of candies and chocolates in homes after children’s trick-or-treating significantly increases the risk of accidental ingestion.

⚠️ Most dangerous foods :

• Chocolate : toxic for dogs and cats due to theobromine and caffeine. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is. Ingesting chocolate is a veterinary emergency.
• Xylitol : this sweetener (found in sugar-free gum, candies, and peanut butter) can cause severe hypoglycemia and liver failure, which can be fatal.
• Sugar and fat : excessive sweets can lead to acute pancreatitis, a painful and potentially life-threatening condition.
• Grapes and raisins : highly toxic; even small amounts can cause acute kidney failure.
• Other sweets and processed baked goods : too sugary and fatty, often causing vomiting, diarrhea, and digestive upset.

💡 Tip : Store all treats out of reach and never give your pet candy or chocolate, even “just a small piece.”

2. Hazards from Decorations and Non-Food Objects

Curious pets, especially dogs and puppies, may chew on or swallow things lying around.

• Candy wrappers : can cause intestinal blockage or choking.
• Costume accessories : strings, buttons, or small parts swallowed = danger!
• Decorations : electric garlands or small items (plastic spiders, confetti, dice) can be ingested.
• Carved pumpkins : candles inside can cause burns or fires if tipped over. Raw or damaged pumpkins may be toxic in large amounts.

💡Safety tip : use LED candles and place decorations up high.

3. Stress and Behavior

Halloween can be stressful for pets due to doorbells, children shouting, masks, and unusual noises.

Possible reactions:

• Running away : a frightened dog may escape and risk a road accident.
• Aggression : your pet may try to “protect” its territory from costumed visitors.
• Forced costumes : dressing pets causes stress and discomfort. If it looks cute, always prioritize their well-being. If your pet resists, do not persist. Instead, consider a small accessory on the collar.
• Black cats : a Halloween symbol, unfortunately sometimes targeted for mistreatment.

💡 Tip : Keep pets indoors and avoid full costumes. A bandana or light-up collar is enough for a festive touch.

II. How to Have a “Pet-Friendly” Halloween

To celebrate safely, here are tips and alternatives so your dog or cat can enjoy the holiday stress-free.

1. Safe Halloween Treats

Instead of sharing your candy, make healthy homemade treats:

🎃 Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Biscuits

• Ingredients :
• 150 g natural pumpkin puree
• 2 tbsp peanut butter (pure, without xylitol or sugar)
• 1 egg
• 200 g whole wheat flour
• Preparation :
• Mix until smooth.
• Roll out and cut with cookie cutters (ghosts, bones, pumpkins 👻).
• Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20–25 min.

🍠 Sweet Potato & Cinnamon Treats

• Ingredients :
• 1 cooked sweet potato
• 1 egg
• 100 g oat flour
• A pinch of cinnamon (no nutmeg)
• Preparation :
• Mix and form small balls.
• Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25 min.
• Let cool before serving.

💡 Extra tip : make yogurt & pumpkin ice cubes for a refreshing and calming treat for nervous dogs.

2. Create a Calm Space

• Set up your pet in a quiet, isolated area with blankets, toys, and water.
• Close curtains and play soft background noise (radio or music) to mask outside sounds.
• Provide a calming activity (chew toy, lick mat, or relaxing treat).
• For very anxious dogs, calming treats with chamomile or valerian may help.

3. Costumes and Safety

• Avoid full costumes, opt for a bandana or light-up collar for a festive look.
• Ensure your pet has a tag or ID in case they escape.
• Keep black cats indoors during Halloween.

📝 Summary Table

Final Word

Halloween can be fun for the whole family, as long as we take precautions for our pets. With a few simple steps, safe treats, and a calm environment, you can ensure your dog or cat has a fear-free (or almost) Halloween!