Pet Safety During Trick or Treating

Keep pets safe this Halloween with tips on candy hazards, costumes, and creating calm spaces during trick-or-treating

Halloween is a time for spooky costumes, sweet treats, and neighborhood fun! But, it can also be a tricky night for our pets. With costumed kids running around, ringing doorbells, and endless bowls of candy, even the calmest cat or friendliest dog can get stressed or encounter danger. ParaMount Pet Care in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, wants to help pet families enjoy a safe, happy Halloween with these essential safety tips!

Keep Candy Away from Pets

Chocolate, xylitol (found in sugar-free candy), and other treats are highly toxic to dogs and cats. Even candy wrappers can cause choking or digestive issues if swallowed. Always keep candy, wrappers, and gum out of pets’ reach, and remind trick-or-treaters in your household to do the same.

Create a Safe Space

Doorbells, laughter, and strange sights may overwhelm even sociable pets. Set up a quiet room with your pet’s favorite bed, toys, and water bowl where they can relax away from the commotion. Consider soothing music or white noise to minimize stress.

 

 

Choose Comfortable or No Costumes

Costumes can be adorable, but not every pet enjoys dressing up. If you do try a costume, make sure it fits well, doesn’t restrict movement, vision, or breathing, and has no small parts to chew off. Watch for any signs of stress, and if your pet seems uncomfortable, a festive collar or bandana is a safer choice. For more information on safe pet costume ideas, click here.

Protect Pets from Escaping

Frequent door opening increases the risk of pets slipping outside. Keep dogs and cats safely indoors and away from the entryway during trick-or-treat hours. Double-check that collars and microchips have up-to-date contact info, just in case a pet gets out.

Decorate with Pet Safety in Mind

Pumpkins with real candles, glow sticks, electrical cords, and hanging decorations all pose hazards to curious pets. Use battery-powered lights, and keep decorations, costumes, and props well out of reach.

Trick-or-Treating with Your Dog?

If you decide to bring your dog along, keep them on a short, sturdy leash and avoid crowded or noisy areas. Not all dogs are comfortable with costumed strangers and excited children. For most pets, a cozy night at home is healthiest. Below you will find a comprehensive Halloween pet safety checklist to help make your Halloween night fun and safe for your pets.

 

Halloween Pet Safety Checklist

• Lock candy away — Chocolate, xylitol, and candy wrappers can be toxic or cause choking.

• Avoid glow sticks — They may taste bitter and cause drooling or hyperactivity if chewed.

• Keep pets identified — Use reflective collars and updated microchips; Halloween crowds can spook pets.

• Create a calm space — Set up a quiet room away from doorbell noise and costumes.

• Check costumes carefully — Ensure good fit, no choking hazards, and never leave costumed pets unattended.

• Secure pets during trick-or-treating — Keep pets indoors or on short leashes to prevent escape.

• Avoid lit candles and dangerous decorations — Use battery-operated lights and keep cords out of reach.

• Watch for signs of stress — Panting, pacing, trembling, or hiding may mean your pet needs a break.

Wishing Your Pets a Safe and Happy Halloween!

A little preparation goes a long way toward keeping Halloween fun and safe for every family member, furry ones included. Happy trick-or-treating, Luzerne County!

Hire A Pet Sitter Today!

Do you or someone you know need a pet sitter? Then look no further than ParaMount Pet Care! We are the leading pet care professionals in the Luzerne County area. All of our sitters are insured, bonded, trained in pet CPR & first aid, and dedicated to caring for your pets. 

We offer a wide variety of pet sitting services such as in-home pet sitting, routine dog walking, overnight stays, and more! Click here to see all of our services! Click here to become a client today or give us a call at 570-814-1037. We look forward to hearing from you soon! Be sure to check us out on Facebook and Instagram too. We post adorable pictures of pets everyday that you won’t want to miss!