Halloween decorations make homes festive and fun — until your dog gets a little too curious. From glowing sticks to smoky fog, some of the most common spooky effects can cause big problems for pets.
Today, we’re shining a flashlight on a few hidden Halloween dangers for dogs you might not have thought about — and how to keep your furry friend safe while still enjoying the season.
Those glowing bracelets and necklaces might be fun for trick-or-treating, but they’re definitely not dog toys. The liquid inside glow sticks and necklaces contains a chemical called dibutyl phthalate (DBP), which can leak when chewed.
The Pet Poison Helpline explains that while DBP isn’t usually fatal, it tastes extremely bitter and can cause heavy drooling, gagging, retching, and mouth or eye irritation. If your dog chews one, rinse their mouth with cool water and offer a small treat to help clear the taste. The effects usually pass quickly, but it’s still best to keep glow sticks out of paw’s reach.
Doggy Doods Tip: If you use glow sticks in your yard for decorations, make sure they’re picked up before letting your dog outside. We’ve seen plenty of pups who thought they found a new toy!
Fake cobwebs are Halloween staples, but they can also be choking hazards — especially for dogs who like to explore with their mouths. The ASPCA warns that decorations made of thin plastic or stringy fibers can easily tangle around paws, snouts, or even in the throat if swallowed.
Some cobweb materials are made of non-digestible plastic that can block the intestines if eaten. Signs of blockage include vomiting, loss of appetite, and fatigue. If you notice these symptoms after a chewing incident, call your vet right away.
Even non-toxic décor like streamers, tinsel, or hanging ghosts can cause trouble if a dog pulls them down and eats the pieces. Keep decorations higher than tail level and skip anything that flutters or dangles within reach.
Fog machines make a front yard look like a haunted graveyard — but they can also irritate your dog’s lungs. The AVMA notes that many artificial fog products contain propylene glycol or glycerin-based solutions that may cause coughing, watery eyes, or throat irritation when inhaled.
For dogs with asthma, allergies, or short snouts (like Bulldogs or Pugs), fog exposure can be even more uncomfortable. And since dogs process smells much more intensely than humans, even a light fog or incense can overwhelm their senses.
If you’re hosting an outdoor event, make sure your pets have a fog-free space to rest indoors with clean air and fresh water.
When Halloween night is over, the decorations and candy aren’t the only things left behind. Many dogs end up in the vet’s office days later from ingesting small décor pieces or wrappers that got missed during cleanup.
A quick once-over of your yard and porch can prevent that. Check for dropped glow sticks, plastic spiders, fake cobwebs, and string lights before letting dogs back outside.
If you’d rather skip the post-party sweep, Doggy Doods can help. Our cleanup and deodorizing services keep your yard safe, fresh, and ready for your pets to play — no spooky surprises left behind.
You don’t have to skip decorating altogether. Here are a few pet-friendly Halloween ideas:
Use battery-powered candles instead of real ones.
Choose cloth or paper decorations instead of stringy plastics.
Skip fog and use orange yard lights for that eerie glow.
Keep sound effects low-volume so pups don’t get startled.
It’s all about keeping the fun while removing the fear — especially for the four-legged family members.
Halloween should be scary for fun, not because of an emergency vet visit. By staying aware of these hidden Halloween dangers for dogs, you can decorate with confidence and keep your furry friend safe from toxic chemicals, choking hazards, and smoky scares.
When the decorations come down and the leaves start piling up, you can get a free quote and we’ll be here to make sure your yard stays clean and comfortable — no cobwebs or candy wrappers left behind.
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