Halloween, for many people, is a time of celebration, tons of candy, and fun costumes. Your puppy, however, may feel a bit overwhelmed by the decorations, excitement, and constant knocking of strangers dressed in scary costumes at your door.

Naturally, as pack animals, your fur-ball will want to defend you from these trick-or-treaters, putting them and any visitors in messy situations. Pups may also let their curiosity get the best of them, sticking their noses in candy bags or chewing on the wires of Halloween decorations.

While you indulge in the festivities of this spooky season, we recommend taking a look at these 5 tips to help keep your pup safe and happy on Halloween.

#1: Keep all candy out of reach

Candy may seem like too harmless of a treat to get worried over, especially if your puppy only nibbles on a little bit of gum. However, many popular candies and Halloween treats pose a huge health threat for your pup.

Sugar-free candies, mints, and gums contain xylitol, a widely used sugar substitute that is very toxic to dogs. Even the smallest amount of this substance can cause your furry friend to experience a drop in blood sugar and seizures.

Other types of candies may cause tummy aches and other stomach problems for your fur-baby. Avoid all of these potential threats to your pup’s life by keeping candy as far, far away from them as you possibly can.

#2: No chocolate for puppies

Halloween is full of delicious chocolate-y treats, but that doesn’t mean it’s any good for your furry friend. Like all candy, chocolate—especially baking or dark chocolate—adds a dose of serious health risks to your pup.

Chocolate has one main component that’s toxic for your fur-ball: theobromine. While we humans can easily metabolize this compound, puppies (and other pets too!) cannot. This causes theobromine to build up in toxic levels in your fur-baby’s body, which can lead to muscle tremors, internal bleeding, and even heart attacks.

Have your pup steer clear from chocolate this Halloween season and opt for spooky puppy treats instead! Check out our blog, Homemade Pumpkin and Peanut Butter Treats for some yummy DIY recipes!

#3: Watch out for Halloween decorations

Although carved jack-o-lanterns and home decor will help keep your household in the Halloween spirit, it may pose certain dangers to your pupper. Curious and playful, your puppy can easily knock over a lit pumpkin or Halloween candle and cause a fire.

Home decor sometimes requires to be plugged into an outlet. A puppy in its teething stage may chew on the cord, exposing the wires and leading to problematic situations.

Pumpkins and corn, if ingested, can also cause intestinal blockage and other stomach discomforts for your furry companion. Make sure to keep a close eye on your pup when it comes to decorative hazards.

#4: Be extra cautious with Halloween costumes

There are a variety Halloween costumes available online and in-store for your pup. But, while costumes are usually fun for humans, it may be a different story for your fur-ball.

Wearing a costume may cause your pup to become stressed and anxious. One way to make sure that your puppy feels comfortable in a costume is trying them days before Halloween.

If you notice distressed or anxious behavior from your pup, choose to let them roam free in their natural, furry state. Never force your puppy to continue wearing it. If you do dress up your puppy for Halloween, make sure their costume fits them well and does not limit their movement, sight, or breathing.  

#5: Don’t leave your pet outside on Halloween

Unfortunately, Halloween can bring out the ghoulish side of people. It’s not uncommon to hear about cruel pranksters teasing and playing pranks on puppies left outside in the yard.

You can prevent this from happening to your furry friend by keeping them inside your house, preferably in  a quiet room that will keep the noises of trick-or-treaters and other Halloween festivities away.

If you’re going out trick-or-treating, you may also want to leave your puppy at home, as the frightening costumes and strangers may excite or stress your fur-baby and lead to negative behaviors.

Halloween can be both a fun and stressful time for your pet but with the right precautions and care, it can easily turn into a fun and safe season for you and your furry friend.