Spooky Season is almost here, and if you love Halloween, you’re probably already planning your pet’s costume. If you’re near Frisco and want to kick things off early, swing by Barktoberfest, it’s a fun, pet-friendly way to get the Halloween spirit going before the big night hits.
But before the dusk strikes on the 31st, it’s worth thinking through a few things first. For example, not leaving candy out, creating a safe place for your pet when the doorbell won’t stop ringing, and choosing costumes that actually let your pet move around.
Give Your Pet a Safe Home Base
Constant knocking, strange costumes, and a parade of strangers at the door is a lot to process, even for a social pet. Dogs who normally love visitors can get spooked when those visitors are wearing masks or capes. Cats tend to bolt the second the door swings open.
Set up a quiet room away from the front entryway with your pet’s bed, water, and a favorite toy or two. Put on some background noise, like a TV or a fan, to soften the sound of the doorbell. This one step alone prevents a lot of the scares and slip-out escapes we see on Halloween night. If you have an anxious pet, securing them in a calm, separate space will keep them from bolting out the door if they get scared.
While you’re at it, double-check that collars fit well and tags are current. That goes for electronic ID as well. If your pet has a microchip ID, log in to make sure your contact info is current. And if they’re not microchipped, ask us about it at your next visit.
Keep the Candy Bowl Out of Paw’s Reach
This is the big one. Many kinds of candy can be poisonous for pets, so keep the candy bowl up high, away from countertop edges, and remind kids in the house that treats don’t get shared with the pets.
Chocolate is dangerous because it contains theobromine, a compound dogs and cats can’t process well, and it can lead to vomiting, a racing heart, tremors, or worse, with darker chocolate being the most dangerous.
Sugar-free candy and gum are just as risky in a different way. Xylitol, the sweetener used to make them sugar-free, can cause a dog’s blood sugar to crash within minutes, and in some cases it leads to liver damage.
Avoid hard candies or anything with nuts or raisins. They can cause choking, allergic reactions, or in the case of raisins, kidney trouble. And keep an eye on wrappers too, because dogs will gulp them down, and they can get stuck and cause an intestinal blockage.
If your pet does manage to get into the stash, don’t wait to see what happens. Call the 24-hour pet poison hotline right away. They’ll ask you exactly what and how much your pet ate, and then they’ll advise you on what to do next.
Think Twice About the Costume
Halloween costumes for pets are super adorable. But they actually make some pets miserable. Never force your pet into a costume, no matter how cute the photos might turn out. You can always try again next year!
If your dog or cat is okay with dressing up, choose something lightweight. That way, it doesn’t restrict their movement, breathing, hearing, or ability to go to the bathroom. Skip anything with small, chewable pieces like buttons or bows. Those often end up as a choking hazard rather than an accessory.
Let your pet wear it around the house for a few minutes first to see how they react before venturing out to events like Barktoberfest or Tails and Touchdowns. If they’re pawing at their costume, freezing up, or trying to hide, it’s not the right fit.
Serve Up a Few Pet-Friendly Treats
Your pet doesn’t have to sit out the fun entirely. Dog treats shaped like little Halloween characters can make them feel included in the fun. Pets can also enjoy other simple treats, like plain pumpkin puree or plain, boiled chicken breast.
But remember: If you’re going to give your pet some chicken, make sure that it’s cooked all the way through. And never add any salt, butter, spices, or seasonings to food you serve your pet. For instance, the cinnamon and clove in spiced pumpkin can be dangerous.
The LazyPaw Vets Can Help If Anything Goes Wrong
Most Halloween holidays go off without a hitch when you plan ahead. But if anything goes wrong, we’re here to help. If your pet eats something strange, call us right away.
If you’re really worried, bring them in for an exam! We’re open from 8am to 6pm Monday through Saturday, and we always make room in our schedule for walk-in and urgent appointments.
Photo by Paige Cody on Unsplash with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 8/11/26.
