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How to Keep Your Puppy Safe During Halloween Festivities

October 15, 2025

Halloween is just around the corner! Costumes, candy, and spooky decorations make October a fun time for families. But while humans enjoy the treats and excitement, our furry friends often find the season stressful. At Petland Overland Park, Kansas, our puppy care specialists want every puppy parent to enjoy Halloween without worry. That’s why we’re sharing expert tips to help you keep your puppy safe, happy, and calm during the Halloween festivities.

1. Keep Candy and Chocolate Away from Your Puppy

Candy and chocolate are everywhere during Halloween, but they can be dangerous for dogs. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to pets, while xylitol, a common ingredient in sugar-free candy, can cause serious health issues.

Store all candy bowls, treat bags, and wrappers well out of your puppy’s reach.
Keep trash cans covered to prevent accidental snacking.
If your puppy eats chocolate or candy, call your veterinarian immediately.

Expert Tip from Petland: Stock up on puppy-safe treats from Petland Overland Park so your furry friend can enjoy a reward while everyone else enjoys their sweets.

2. Decorate Safely to Prevent Accidents

Halloween decorations are fun, but puppies love to explore—and sometimes chew. Electrical cords, fake cobwebs, candles, and glow sticks can all pose risks.

Avoid open flames from candles or jack-o’-lanterns. Use battery-powered LED lights instead.
Keep small decorations and cords out of reach.
Never leave your puppy unsupervised around hanging or fragile décor.

Expert Tip from Petland: Create a puppy-safe area in your home. Add your pup’s bed, toys, and a cozy blanket to help them relax while you enjoy your Halloween setup.

3. Manage Costumes and Noises Carefully

Doorbells, visitors in costumes, and spooky sound effects can be confusing for puppies. Even the most social pups may become anxious when people look and sound different.

Give your puppy a quiet retreat space away from the front door.
Turn on calming background sounds, such as soft music or white noise.
If your puppy is nervous, avoid forcing interactions with costumed guests.

Expert Tip from Petland: Try a calming collar or diffuser available at Petland Overland Park to reduce stress and anxiety in your puppy during noisy events.

4. Protect Your Puppy During Trick-or-Treating

Halloween night often means the doorbell rings nonstop. Curious puppies might dart outside when the door opens.

Keep your puppy on a leash or secured in a separate room.
Make sure your pup wears an up-to-date ID tag and microchip.
If your puppy enjoys socializing, greet trick-or-treaters outdoors instead of letting them come inside.

Expert Tip from Petland: Use a baby gate to block access to the front door. It keeps your puppy safe while still letting them watch the fun.

5. Choose Comfortable Costumes

It’s tempting to dress your puppy in a costume for cute photos, but comfort should always come first.

Select lightweight costumes that don’t restrict movement, vision, or breathing.
Avoid outfits with small parts that can be chewed off.
Let your puppy try the costume on beforehand to get used to it.

Expert Tip from Petland: If your puppy doesn’t like costumes, try a festive Halloween-themed collar or bandana instead!

6. Keep Calm and Celebrate Safely

Halloween should be fun for everyone—including your puppy. With a few simple precautions, you can enjoy a safe and stress-free night together.

At Petland Overland Park, Kansas, we’re passionate about puppy well-being. Our team of puppy care specialists is always here to offer guidance, recommend safe products, and help you prepare for every season. Stop by our store this October to find puppy-safe treats, calming products, and Halloween accessories that will make your furry friend’s night “pawsitively” perfect!