From your pet’s point of view, Halloween is a a bit strange. The doorbell rings every ten minutes. Small strangers in capes appear on the doorstep. Somebody has put a bowl of sweets exactly at nose height. And why is the pumpkin on fire?
A little planning goes a long way. Here’s how to keep the spooky stuff for the humans.
The treat bowl is for trick-or-treaters
A few Halloween favourites can be quite risky for pets.
Chocolate contains theobromine, which dogs and cats can’t process well. Dark chocolate and cocoa are the most concerning, but it’s best to keep all of it out of reach.
Sugar-free sweets and gum can contain xylitol (sometimes listed as birch sugar), which is toxic to dogs even in small amounts.
Raisins and grapes, including chocolate-covered raisins, can be dangerous for dogs.
Wrappers and lolly sticks can cause tummy upsets or blockages if swallowed.
Keep the sweet bowl up high or in a cupboard. If you think your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t, call your vet for advice, even if they seem fine. Don’t wait for symptoms.
Candles and pumpkins
Candles in pumpkins and swishing tails don’t mix. Battery-powered tea lights do the same job without the risk.
Carved pumpkins go mouldy quickly. Pop them in the food waste before they start to look ghoulish for real.
Tip: Raw pumpkin can be a great nutritional snack for your dog, so there’s an enrichment opportunity for your pooch while you’re busy carving away. Read more about pumpkin for dogs in this article from Pure Pet Food.
Doorbell duty
For lots of dogs, the doorbell means “something exciting is happening”. On Halloween, it can mean that all evening.
Set up a quiet room away from the front door, with their bed, water, a favourite toy and something to chew or lick.
Walk your dog earlier, in daylight, so they’re settled before the trick-or-treaters arrive.
Keep the front door secure. An open door and a nervous pet is how escapes happen. A baby gate in the hallway helps.
Keep cats indoors for the evening, with a litter tray, food and water to hand.
Fancy dress? Only if they’re into it
Some dogs are happy in a bandana. Most cats are not happy in anything. If your pet freezes, tries to wriggle out, or goes very still with wide eyes, that’s generally a no. But you know your pet and their limits. A spooky collar or a photo with a pumpkin works just as well for seasonal snaps.
Keep the routine
Pets like to know what’s coming. Keep dinner at the usual time, and keep their usual scoop of Koning & Ritter in the bowl as normal. A familiar routine is a small, steady thing on a busy night. Scoop. Sprinkle. Done.
A pet-friendly treat idea
If you’d like your dog to join in, a spoonful of plain cooked pumpkin (not pie filling, which often contains sugar and spices) mixed into their dinner makes a seasonal treat. Keep it small, and count it as part of their daily treats.
And then there’s Bonfire Night
Halloween is often the start of firework season, with the odd bang going off well before 5 November. If your pet is nervous of noise, now’s a good time to start getting ready. We’ve put together some tips in Remember, remember: a calmer Bonfire Night for dogs and cats.
Quick questions
My dog ate a chocolate bar. What should I do? Call your vet straight away. Tell them what was eaten, roughly how much, and your dog’s weight. Keep the wrapper if you can.
Is pumpkin safe for cats? Plain cooked pumpkin in a small amount is generally fine for most cats, though many will turn their nose up at it. Avoid anything sweetened or spiced.
Should my cat go out on Halloween? It’s safest to keep them in from late afternoon until the next morning.
Have a spooky one; greatness today, for everything ahead