29/10/2026
🎃 DOGS NT: HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS FOR DOGS!
⚠️ Halloween can be full of fun and spooky surprises, but it can also bring some hidden hazards for our four-legged friends. Here are a few simple precautions to help keep your dogs safe this Halloween!
🍬 HALLOWEEN LOLLIES & SWEETS.
Keep all Halloween treats well out of your dog’s reach. Sugary and fatty sweets can cause stomach upsets and may contribute to serious conditions such as pancreatitis. Be especially careful with sugar-free lollies and chewing gum, as some contain **xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs** and can cause life-threatening complications.
🎃 CARVED PUMPKINS & DECORATIONS.
Keep candles and lit pumpkins well away from curious noses and wagging tails. Knocked-over candles can cause burns or start a fire, so always place them somewhere secure. Battery-operated lights are a safer alternative, but keep them out of reach too, as swallowed batteries can cause serious internal injuries.
👻 TRICK-OR-TREATERS & VISITORS.
Constant doorbell ringing, unfamiliar faces and people in masks or costumes can make some dogs anxious or unsettled. If your dog is sensitive to visitors, provide a quiet, secure space away from the activity. If you're heading out trick-or-treating, consider leaving your dog safely at home rather than taking them into a busy, unfamiliar environment.
🐾 CHOKING HAZARDS & COSTUMES.
Lolly wrappers, lollipop sticks, food packaging and small decoration or costume parts can pose choking risks or cause dangerous intestinal blockages if swallowed. Watch for warning signs such as vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite or difficulty passing stools.
If dressing your dog for Halloween, make sure their costume fits comfortably and does not restrict breathing, movement or vision. Avoid loose parts they could chew off or swallow, supervise them at all times, and remove the costume if they show signs of distress.
❗️ Remember, most dogs are happiest without a costume!
🚨 IF YOUR DOG EATS SOMETHING THEY SHOULDN'T.
☎️ Contact your local veterinary practice immediately for advice.
📝 Be ready to tell your vet:
- What your dog has eaten.
- How much they may have swallowed.
- When they ate it.
🚫 DO NOT try to make your dog vomit unless specifically instructed to do so by a veterinary professional. Inducing vomiting can cause further complications and may make your dog even more unwell.
🧡 A little extra care can go a long way towards keeping our canine companions safe.
🤗 From all of us at Dogs NT, have a happy, spooky and SAFE Halloween!
