A Dog’s Halloween Night — Fun, Frights, and Staying Safe

If I could talk, here’s how I’d describe Halloween night. My name’s Max, and my humans love this time of year. They dress me in my pumpkin hoodie (I don’t mind it), grab a bowl of candy, and tell me we’re going “trick-or-treating.” I’m not sure what that means, but it involves lots of kids, loud noises, and strange smells — and it’s a lot for a dog like me to take in.

The Walk That Never Ends

When the sun sets, we head out. Every few feet, another door opens, and I hear squeals, laughter, and rustling candy bags. My human keeps me on a short leash, which I appreciate — there are so many new friends to sniff and snacks that look delicious but probably aren’t.

If you’re walking your pup on Halloween, bring water, reflective gear, and a calm voice. Stick to familiar routes and avoid crowded porches or yards with strobe lights or spooky sound effects. Keep your dog on a leash even if they’re well-trained; the unexpected costumes and noises can easily spook us.

The Candy Problem

Back home, things get trickier. My little humans dump their treasure on the floor — shiny wrappers, crinkly bags, and that sweet smell that makes my tail wag. But here’s the truth: none of that candy is safe for me.

Chocolate, raisins, and sugar-free treats (especially those with xylitol) can make dogs seriously sick. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, tremors, or worse. Wrappers are a choking hazard, too.

Best ways to keep candy out of paws’ reach:

1. Store candy in a closed container on a high shelf — not on the counter.

2. Empty trick-or-treat bags into sealed jars or tins right after the walk.

3. Remind kids to never share candy with pets, even “just a little bit.”

4. Dispose of wrappers immediately — dogs will dig through trash if they smell chocolate.

If you think your dog has eaten something dangerous, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435 (a small consultation fee may apply). You can also reach the Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-764-7661. Have your dog’s weight, what they ate, and how much ready to share.

The Best Kind of Treat

After everyone’s asleep, I get my own treat — one that’s safe for me. My human saves a xylitol free peanut-butter biscuit for nights like this. We sit on the couch, and she tells me what a good boy I am for wearing my costume and being brave through all the noise.

That’s the part I love most about Halloween — not the candy, but the time together.

Show Off Your Pet’s Costume!

We’d love to see how your furry friends celebrate, too. Post your pet’s Halloween costume photo on our Facebook page. Funniest, scariest, and most creative costumes will be featured in our upcoming community post!