halloween pets safety

Spooky Season Safety: Pet Insurance Australia warns of Halloween hazards for pets

Australia — October 2025

As ghosts, ghouls, and goblins prepare for fright night, Pet Insurance Australia is reminding Australians that Halloween can be a terrifying time for our furry family members, and not for the right reasons.

“Every year we see accidents and illnesses linked to Halloween celebrations, from costume mishaps to food poisoning,” says Nadia Crighton, spokesperson for Pet Insurance Australia. “It’s a fun night for humans, but can be overwhelming or even dangerous for pets.”

Top Halloween Hazards for Pets

1. Toxic Treats
Chocolate, lollies containing xylitol, raisins, and even certain decorations can be deadly to dogs and cats. Keep all sweets well out of reach, and remind children not to share their loot with furry friends.

“Reminding your guests and little trick-or-treaters that human foods are not good for their beloved pet is paramount during celebrations like Halloween,” Crighton warns.

2. Dangerous Decorations
Strings of fake cobwebs, glow sticks, or small costume parts can be tempting chew toys. Ingestion can cause choking or intestinal blockages, emergencies that can cost thousands to treat.

“Even pets known for not being chewers can be tempted by an unusual decoration; it’s always best to pet-proof any parties or keep your pet safely contained when not 100% supervised.”

3. Costume Caution
If you plan to dress up your pet, ensure the costume fits comfortably and doesn’t restrict breathing, vision, or movement. Never leave them unsupervised in costume.

“And if you’re the one dressing up,” adds Crighton, “introduce your outfit to your pet before the big night. Masks and spooky makeup can scare even the most relaxed pets, so let them see and sniff you first.”

4. Escape Artists
With doors opening frequently for trick-or-treaters, there’s an increased risk of escape. Keep pets in a secure, quiet room during festivities and ensure microchip details are up to date.

“Also, pop a note on your gate or front door reminding guests to close the door after themselves to prevent your pet from escaping.”

5. BBQ & Party Dangers
If you’re hosting a Halloween party, keep an eye on rubbish bins and leftover food. Dogs are natural scavengers and may devour skewers, corn cobs, or bones, all common culprits for emergency vet visits and costly surgery.

“Ensure you also keep rubbish bins securely closed,” Crighton says. “It’s not uncommon to hear of dogs ripping apart bin bags to devour some tasty, but possibly toxic or dangerous, leftovers.”

 Tips to Keep Pets Calm During Halloween

  • Walk dogs before nightfall to burn energy and avoid spooky strangers.
  • Create a “safe zone” inside with toys, treats, and soft music to mask noise.
  • Use pheromone diffusers or calming aids if your pet is easily startled.
  • Consider skipping costumes altogether if your pet seems stressed.

“With the right preparation, you can enjoy Halloween while keeping your pet safe,” Crighton says. “Remember, prevention is the best protection.”

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nadia crighton pet insurance expert
Nadia Crighton

Nadia Crighton is a renowned and accomplished professional in the fields of Journalism, Public Relations, and Writing, with an extensive career spanning over 25 years, 20 of which have been dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of pets.

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