Halloween is one of my favorite times of year. There are pumpkins on the porch, little ghosts and superheroes at the door, and of course all those puppy costume photos. But over 22 years in rescue and vet tech work, I’ve also seen what happens on November 1st, when the candy bowl ends up on the floor.
For a lot of our adopters, this is their puppy’s very first Halloween. Puppies are curious, they put everything in their mouths, and they have no idea that the doorbell ringing forty times in a night is normal. With a little planning, you can have a fun night and a safe one.
The Candy Bowl Is the Biggest Danger
Keep candy up and away from your pets.
Chocolate. All chocolate can be dangerous for dogs, but dark and baking chocolate are the worst, according to the ASPCA. Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, extra thirst, a racing heart, tremors, and even seizures. Puppies are small, so it doesn’t take much.
Xylitol. This is the one I want every adopter to know about. Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in sugar-free gum, mints, candy, and even some peanut butters. The FDA warns that in dogs it can cause a sudden, dangerous drop in blood sugar within 10 to 60 minutes. It can also lead to liver failure. You may also see it labeled as “birch sugar.” Check the label on anything that says sugar-free.
Raisins and wrappers. Little boxes of raisins are a common trick-or-treat item, and raisins can be toxic to dogs. Swallowed wrappers and lollipop sticks can also get stuck in a puppy’s gut.
My rule at home is simple: candy lives up high or behind a closed door. That includes the kids’ trick-or-treat bags. A puppy’s nose will find a stash under the bed every time.
The Front Door
Think about it from your puppy’s point of view. The doorbell rings over and over, strangers in masks appear, and the door keeps opening to the dark outside. That can be scary, and it’s also the perfect chance for a puppy to slip out.
Give your puppy a quiet place to relax during your busy times.
- Set your puppy up in a quiet room or their crate during the busiest trick-or-treating hours, with a chew toy and some soft music or the TV on.
- Make sure your puppy wears a collar with an ID tag. Double-check that their microchip has your current phone number.
- If you take your puppy along trick-or-treating, use a secure leash and a reflective collar, and keep the outing short.
Costumes: Cute, but Keep It Simple
I love a puppy in a costume as much as anyone. But the ASPCA advises checking that a costume has no small, dangling, or chewable pieces and never leaving a costumed pet alone. A good costume lets your puppy see, hear, breathe, walk, and go potty normally.
If your puppy freezes, tucks their tail, or keeps trying to pull it off, they’re telling you no. A festive bandana gets you the same great photo.
Decorations
Jack-o’-lantern candles can be knocked over, and electrical cords look a lot like chew toys. Fake cobwebs and glow sticks also tend to end up in puppies’ mouths. Keep decorations up high or out of puppy reach. Use battery-operated candles inside pumpkins.
If Your Puppy Gets Into Something
- Take away whatever is left.
- Note what they ate, roughly how much, and when. Save the wrapper.
- Call your veterinarian, an emergency clinic, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 right away. Don’t wait for symptoms.
- Don’t try to make your puppy vomit unless a veterinary professional tells you to.
Tech Tip
Save the ASPCA Poison Control number, (888) 426-4435, and your nearest 24-hour emergency vet in your phone tonight. You’ll be glad it’s there if you ever need it.
Share your puppy’s Halloween look with us. Post a photo and tag Heaven to Earth Rescue. We love seeing our alumni all dressed up, safely.
This article is general guidance and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian.