Halloween and Dogs: 7 Hazards Vets Warn About, From Xylitol to Costumes

Checked October 2026 · Sources: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)

Halloween brings a few extra hazards for dogs, and most of them come from three things: the candy bowl, the costume and the front door. Here is what the FDA and the AVMA say to watch for, and what to do if something goes wrong.

1. Sugar-free candy and gum: xylitol

Xylitol, also sold as birch sugar or wood sugar, is a sweetener in sugar-free gum, mints, candy, baked goods and some peanut and nut butters. The FDA warns that in dogs it can trigger a strong insulin release and a sharp drop in blood sugar, starting within 10 to 60 minutes. Signs include vomiting, weakness, staggering, collapse and seizures, and serious effects can appear 12 to 24 hours later, so a dog may need hospital monitoring even if it seems fine at first.

Cats appear less affected, according to the FDA, but dogs are at real risk. Check labels on anything sugar-free that comes home in a trick-or-treat bag.

2. Chocolate and raisins

The AVMA lists chocolate and raisins among Halloween treats to keep away from pets. Raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs. Candy mixes make it hard to know what your dog actually ate, so keep the whole bowl and the kids’ haul out of reach.

3. Wrappers, sticks and decorations

Candy wrappers, lollipop sticks, small costume parts, batteries and decorations can cause choking or blockages. The AVMA advises keeping costume pieces and holiday items away from pets. Chewed glow sticks usually cause drooling and odd behavior rather than serious harm, but keep them out of reach too.

4. Candles and jack-o-lanterns

A wagging tail or curious nose can knock over a lit pumpkin. Keep lit candles and jack-o-lanterns where your dog can’t reach them, or use battery lights.

5. Costumes

• Make sure it fits and doesn’t block your dog’s sight, hearing, breathing or movement.
• Skip anything with small parts that can be chewed off.
• Try it on for short sessions before the night, and never leave a dog in costume unsupervised.
• If your dog freezes, hides or tries to rip it off, a festive bandana is plenty.

6. The front door

Doorbells, strangers in masks and an open door all night are a classic recipe for a bolted dog. The AVMA recommends keeping pets indoors, and putting nervous dogs in a quiet room away from the door during trick-or-treating.

7. ID, just in case

Check that your dog’s collar tag has your current number and that the microchip registration is up to date before the 31st. If your dog does slip out, fast ID is what gets them home.

If your dog eats something

• Call your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital right away. Don’t wait for symptoms, especially with xylitol.
• You can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply).
• Bring the wrapper or package so the vet knows what was eaten and how much.
• Don’t try to make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.

This article is general information for dog owners, not veterinary or legal advice. Follow the official source when it differs from this article.

Sources

• FDA: Paws Off Xylitol; It’s Dangerous for Dogs
• AVMA: Halloween pet safety
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center