Halloween candy and treats
Store the candy bowl and kids' trick-or-treat bags well out of reach.
| Item | Safety | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate | Toxic | Dark and baking chocolate are the most dangerous. Use the chocolate toxicity calculator. |
| Sugar-free candy and gum | Toxic | May contain xylitol: low blood sugar within an hour. Xylitol calculator |
| Raisins | Toxic | Chocolate-covered raisins and trail mix: kidney failure risk. |
| Macadamia Nuts | Toxic | Often in cookies and candy bars with chocolate. |
| Candy wrappers and lollipop sticks | Caution | Foil, plastic and sticks can cause choking or blockages. Watch for vomiting and straining. |
| Marshmallows | Caution | Sugar overload, and check for xylitol. |
Decorations and costumes
| Item | Safety | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Glow sticks and jewelry | Mildly toxic | The liquid (dibutyl phthalate) tastes very bitter: drooling and foaming, rarely serious. Rinse the mouth and offer a treat or water. |
| Pumpkin | Safe | Plain pumpkin is fine; moldy carved pumpkins can upset the stomach. |
| Candles and jack-o'-lanterns | Caution | Burns and fire risk from curious noses and wagging tails. Use LED lights. |
| Costumes | Caution | Only if your pet tolerates it: no elastic around the neck, nothing covering eyes, ears or mouth, and no small chewable parts. |
| Fake cobwebs and string decorations | Caution | Cats may swallow them, causing a dangerous linear foreign body. |
Trick-or-treat night tips
- Keep pets in a quiet room away from the door: constant doorbells and costumes stress many dogs and cats, and open doors mean escapes.
- Make sure your pet wears an ID tag and has an up-to-date microchip.
- Keep black cats indoors around Halloween.
- Walk dogs before dark, on a short leash, with reflective gear.
Frequently asked questions
What Halloween candy is toxic to dogs?
Chocolate (especially dark), sugar-free candy and gum containing xylitol, raisins and macadamia nuts. Wrappers and sticks can also cause blockages.
My dog ate a Halloween candy bar. What should I do?
Check the wrapper for the type of chocolate, xylitol and nuts, then use our chocolate calculator and call your vet or a poison line.
Are glow sticks toxic to cats and dogs?
They are usually only mildly toxic. The bitter liquid causes drooling and foaming. Rinse the mouth, offer water and call your vet if signs last.