Costume with care
Pet Halloween safety guide
A costume is only a good idea if your pet is relaxed in it. Here's how we tell the difference.
Never leave a pet unattended while dressed up, and never leave a costume on overnight. If your pet seems distressed, take it off — a festive bandana counts as a costume too. This guide is general advice, not veterinary care; call your vet if something seems wrong.
Before the costume goes on
- Do a dry run a week early, indoors, for two or three minutes with treats.
- Check that eyes, ears, nose, mouth and rear are completely clear.
- Run two fingers under every strap — if they don't slide, it's too tight.
- Remove dangling parts, bells or beads your pet could chew off.
Stress signals to watch for
- Freezing, refusing to walk, or moving in a low crouch.
- Tucked tail, pinned ears, whale eye (whites showing).
- Excessive lip licking, yawning or panting when it isn't hot.
- Any attempt to bite or scratch the costume off.
Trick-or-treat night
- Set up a quiet room away from the door with water, a bed and background noise.
- Update microchip details and make sure ID tags are on — Halloween is a top night for escapes.
- Keep candy bowls, wrappers and glow sticks well out of reach.
- Use a reflective leash if you're walking after dark.
Foods that are never safe
- Chocolate — especially dark and baking chocolate.
- Xylitol (sugar-free gum and candy) — dangerous in tiny amounts.
- Raisins and grapes, including in baked treats.
- Candy wrappers and lollipop sticks, which cause blockages.