How to Celebrate Halloween Safely with Your Dog

How to Celebrate Halloween Safely with Your Dog

Barbara Mary Hanly

Halloween is all about spooky fun, delicious treats, and fancy costumes - but for our furry friends, it can sometimes be a little overwhelming (and even risky!)

That’s why we’ve put together the ultimate guide filled with Halloween safety tips for dogs, so you and your pup can enjoy a fun, fright-free night together.

Keep Human Treats Out of Paw’s Reach

Halloween sweets might look tempting, but chocolate, xylitol (found in sugar-free candies), and raisins can be dangerous for dogs. Even small amounts can cause tummy upset or worse.

If your dog loves to sniff around the treat bowl, it’s best to:

  • Store sweets in airtight containers, high up and away.

  • Remind children and guests not to share candy with your dog.

  • Keep an eye out for dropped sweets or wrappers during trick-or-treat time.

Instead, give them something safe (and delicious):

 

Soopa Pumpkin & Carrot Healthy Bites

🎃 Soopa Pumpkin & Carrot Healthy Bites

Made from 100% natural pumpkin, carrot, and coconut oil, these healthy Halloween treats for dogs are safe, plant-based, and irresistibly tasty — no tricks, just treats!

Shop Pumpkin Treats

 

2. Choose Dog-Friendly Decorations

We all love a spooky setup — glowing pumpkins, flickering candles, and cobwebs galore — but some decorations can be spookier than intended for your dog.

Here’s what to watch out for:

  • Candles & lanterns: Keep open flames out of reach (tails and fire do not mix!).
  • Electric lights: Curious pups might chew wires - use battery-operated candles instead.
  • Fake cobwebs or tinsel: These can be choking hazards if swallowed.

3. Keep Costumes Comfortable

We get it, dogs in Halloween costumes are adorable. But your dog’s comfort should always come first.

Before dressing them up:

  • Choose soft, breathable fabrics.
  • Avoid tight elastics or dangling parts.
  • Let your dog try the costume beforehand to ensure they can move freely.
  • If they’re uncomfortable, skip it - they can still rock a festive bandana or Soopa bow tie! 

Remember, the best costume is a happy, wagging tail.

See our 25 dog halloween costume ideas here.

4. Create a Calm Space

Between doorbells ringing, kids shouting “trick or treat!”, and strange visitors in masks, Halloween can be scary for dogs.

Here’s how to help them stay calm:

  • Set up a quiet room with their bed, toys, and water bowl.
  • Play soft music or turn on the TV to drown out noise.
  • Give them a healthy pumpkin treat for dogs to distract and comfort them.

For anxious pups, routine helps, try giving them their treat around the same time each evening to build positive associations.

5. Offer Dog-Safe Halloween Snacks

While humans enjoy candy, your dog can have their own festive feast!
Skip sugary treats and opt for dog-friendly Halloween snacks instead - pumpkin, sweet potato, and apple are all safe, delicious options.

Here are a few Soopa-approved ideas:

  • Pumpkin & Carrot Dental Sticks for a chewy, nutritious snack.
  • Sweet Potato Chews for natural sweetness and energy.
  • Apple & Blueberry Bites for fruity fun after walks.
Soopa Sweet Potato Chews

🍠 Soopa Sweet Potato Chews

Made with 100% natural sweet potato, these chewy snacks are the perfect Halloween treats for dogs — tasty, safe, and free from nasties.

Shop Sweet Potato Chews

 

6. Be Mindful on Walks

Evening walks can be full of spooky surprises: flashing lights, costumes, and loud noises can all startle your pup.

Follow these dog Halloween safety tips when out and about:

  • Walk earlier in the evening before trick-or-treat chaos begins.
  • Use reflective collars or LED leads to stay visible.
  • Keep your dog on a short lead near crowds or fireworks.
  • Bring a few healthy pumpkin treats for dogs to reward calm behaviour.

7. Watch Out for Halloween Dangers

A few other things to keep on your radar:

  • Glow sticks: Dogs love to chew these, but they taste awful and can cause drooling or irritation.
  • Pumpkin candles: Use battery lights instead to avoid burns.
  • Dropped sweets: Keep a torch handy on walks to spot candy on the ground.

If your dog does eat something suspicious, call your vet right away.

Final Thoughts: A Safe, Soopa Halloween

Halloween should be about fun, not fright! With these Halloween safety tips for dogs, you can make sure your furry friend stays happy, safe, and included in all the festive fun.

A few extra cuddles, a calm space, and a stash of Soopa’s healthy pumpkin treats for dogs will keep tails wagging from dusk till dawn.

Because when it comes to treats, we only do the good kind.

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