Halloween Pet Safety: A Guide to a Stress-Free Spooky Season in Boston

Halloween in Boston is full of excitement—costumes, candy, decorations, and trick-or-treaters on every corner. While it’s a fun time for families, it can also bring hidden dangers for pets. At Boston Veterinary Clinic, we want your furry friends to enjoy the spooky season safely. Here’s our veterinary team’s guide to keeping pets happy and healthy during Halloween.

1. Candy Is for Kids, Not Pets

Halloween candy bowls are irresistible, but many treats are toxic to pets:

• Chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and even life-threatening conditions in dogs and cats.

• Sugar-free candy containing xylitol can lead to severe drops in blood sugar and liver failure.

• Raisins (sometimes found in “healthy” treats) are highly toxic to dogs.

Tip: Keep all candy out of reach and remind kids not to share their loot with pets. If your pet eats something questionable, call your vet or an emergency clinic immediately.

2. Costumes: Cute but Not Always Comfortable

Dressing up pets is a Halloween tradition, but not all pets enjoy it. Make sure costumes are:

• Comfortable and breathable (no tight elastic or restrictive material).

• Free of choking hazards like small buttons, bells, or loose fabric.

• Safe for movement—pets should be able to walk, sit, and lie down normally.

Boston Tip: With chilly October nights, a cozy sweater might be a safer (and warmer) alternative to a full costume, especially for outdoor walks.

3. Doorbell Dilemmas & Stranger Danger

Trick-or-treaters mean frequent knocks, doorbell rings, and strangers in costumes—things that can make pets anxious or reactive.

• Keep dogs and cats in a quiet room with their favorite bed or toy during peak trick-or-treat hours.

• Play calming music or use a white noise machine to mask outside sounds.

• Consider pet-safe calming aids if your pet struggles with anxiety.

Boston Tip: Since city neighborhoods can see heavy trick-or-treat traffic, plan ahead to minimize stress for your pets.

4. Decoration Hazards

Pumpkins, candles, and spooky props look great, but they can be risky:

• Lit candles in jack-o’-lanterns pose a burn and fire hazard if a curious cat or dog knocks them over.

• Glow sticks contain non-toxic but bitter-tasting liquid that can cause drooling and irritation if chewed.

• Decorative cobwebs and tinsel can cause intestinal blockages if swallowed.

Stick to battery-operated candles and keep decorations out of paw’s reach.

5. Watch the Escape Routes

With the door opening and closing for trick-or-treaters, there’s always a risk of pets slipping outside.

• Double-check collars, harnesses, and ID tags.

• Microchip your pet if you haven’t already—Boston streets can get busy and confusing for lost pets.

• Consider a pet gate or exercise pen to keep them secure.

A Safe & Happy Halloween in Boston

Halloween should be fun for the whole family, including your pets. With a little preparation, you can avoid emergencies and keep tails wagging all night long.

 If your pet does get into candy, decorations, or seems unusually stressed, call the team at Boston Veterinary Clinic right away. Our team is here to help Boston’s pets stay healthy through every season.