Boo—but make it wholesome. 🎃
Halloween is peak cozy chaos: doorbells ringing, kids zooming, candy everywhere. For dogs, it can feel like a live-action jump scare. The good news? With a few smart moves, you can keep the magic and protect your floof. Mochi (our tiny white Maltese CEO) signed off on these receipts-backed tips.
TL;DR (treat-sized)
- Candy is for humans. Chocolate + xylitol = hard no for dogs. Keep bowls and “secret stashes” locked down.
- Glow sticks, fake webs, candles = sneaky hazards. Keep décor high and power cords tidy.
- Make a calm room during peak trick-or-treat. White noise on, chews ready, door far away.
- ID matters: collar + tag + microchip info up to date. (Microchipped pets are ~3× more likely to get home.)
The Candy Conversation (a love story you must avoid)
We know the longing eyes. But chocolate contains theobromine/caffeine, which dogs process poorly. Even small amounts can trigger vomiting, restlessness, or worse; higher doses risk heart and neuro issues. Dark/baking chocolate hits hardest. Use a sealed container and a no-candy-on-couches rule. If you’re not sure how much is dangerous, vets use chocolate toxicity calculators to estimate risk by type/amount. When in doubt, call your vet or Poison Control.
Also: many sugar-free treats and gums swap sugar for xylitol—extremely dangerous to dogs. Double-check labels and keep purses/backpacks zipped.
If your dog eats some: Don’t panic-scroll—call your vet or Poison Control right away (1-800-222-1222). Speed > speculation.
The Décor Trap (aka: “but it’s cute”)
- Glow sticks & glow jewelry: Not usually life-threatening, but the liquid (often dibutyl phthalate) tastes awful and can cause drooling, gagging, agitation, eye/skin irritation. If your dog bites one, rinse the mouth/eyes with fresh water and call your vet for next steps.
- Open flames & scented candles: Burn risk + respiratory irritation. Trade candles for LEDs
- Fake webs, corn cobs, stringy décor: Choking and obstruction hazards. Keep them high/out of reach.
Trick-or-Treat Protocol (calm is the costume)
Doorbells are jump scares for many pups. Set your dog up with a quiet basecamp:
- A room away from the front door, white noise or soft music, comfy bed, and a long-lasting safe chew.
- Use a baby gate or closed door during peak hours so your Houdini doesn’t bolt.
- If your dog wants to greet, leash up and use a “place” mat by the door—keep it short and positive.
These small moves reduce stress and accidental escapes.
ID is non-negotiable: Make sure collar tags are readable and your microchip has your current phone/email. Microchipped pets are significantly more likely to get home fast.
Costume Check (fashion, but make it functional)
If your pup is dressing up, do a two-finger fit test around the neck/harness and ensure full range of movement. Skip anything that:
- Blocks eyes/ears or vision
- Dangles (chew/choke risk)
- Overheats (watch for panting and stress signals)
Short rehearsal sessions the week before = way better photos on the day. (Treats + praise = model behavior.)
Party Snacks Your Dog Can Enjoy
While the humans go feral for fun-size bars, set your dog up with:
- A frozen lick mat or stuffed food puzzle
- Vet-approved chews
- A small serving of plain pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix), if your vet says it’s okay
The point is distraction + enrichment while the door keeps dinging.
Mochi’s Heart-to-Heart 💛
Halloween is about delight, not danger. Your dog doesn’t care about the costume contest; they care that you’ve got them. Create safety, offer a cozy den, and keep the candy locked—then enjoy the night together. A calm dog at your feet while the world plays dress-up? That’s the real treat.