Keep Your Dog Safe This Halloween

Halloween is one of the most exciting nights of the year for humans. Costumes, sweets, parties, and spooky fun. But for our dogs, it can be a bit of a nightmare. Between strange noises, people at the door, and chocolate bowls left within reach, the season can be both stressful and risky.

At Nervy Mutt, we get it. Spooky season can be rough for nervous or reactive dogs. We’re here to help you make sure your mutt stays calm, comfortable, and far away from the toxic treats.

The Scary Side of Halloween Treats

While the smell of sweets might make your dog drool, most Halloween treats are dangerous, even in small amounts. Here are the top offenders to watch out for:

Chocolate

Chocolate contains theobromine, which is highly toxic to dogs. Dark chocolate is the worst, but even milk chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors, or worse. Keep it well out of reach. Dogs are sneaky when they smell chocolate.

Sweets with Xylitol

Many sugar-free sweets, gums, or lollies contain xylitol, a sugar substitute that can make your dog’s blood sugar drop dangerously fast. It can cause seizures or liver failure.

Raisins and Grapes

You’ll often find these in snack mixes or baked goods. They’re highly toxic, even in small quantities.

Sweet Wrappers and Foil

Dogs love the smell of sweets and sometimes eat the wrapper too. That can cause choking or blockages that need an emergency vet visit.

Alcohol and Caffeine

From punch bowls to energy drinks, anything with alcohol or caffeine should be kept well out of sniffing distance.

If your dog eats something suspicious, call your vet straight away. Signs of toxicity include vomiting, panting, shaking, drooling, restlessness, or collapse. Don’t wait it out.

Keeping Your Nervy Mutt Calm During the Chaos

Even if you’ve dog-proofed your snacks, Halloween night can still be stressful. Doorbells, fireworks, strange costumes, and sudden noises can all trigger anxiety.

Here’s how to keep your nervous or reactive dog feeling secure:

• Walk before dark to burn off energy before the door-knocking starts.
• Create a safe zone with closed curtains, calming music, and a favourite blanket or toy.
• Skip the doorbell drama by leaving sweets outside so your dog isn’t startled every few minutes.
• Keep collars and leads handy in case someone opens the door suddenly.
• Use enrichment to distract and settle them.

Dog-Safe Halloween Treats and Enrichment Ideas

Just because your dog can’t have human treats doesn’t mean they should miss out. Here’s how to give them their own Halloween goodies.

Dog-Safe Treats

• Pumpkin biscuits made with plain, cooked pumpkin (not pie filling).
• Frozen peanut butter bites using xylitol-free peanut butter.
• Lick mats with mashed banana or plain yoghurt.
• Dehydrated sweet potato chews for a natural option.

Enrichment Ideas

• Fill a snuffle mat with kibble or small treats to keep them focused and calm.
• Create a treat hunt around the living room for some sniffy fun.
• Use a stuffed Kong to redirect nervous energy and help them relax. 
• Box feeding can be a great way to build focus and resilience

Nervy Mutt’s Halloween Safety Checklist

Before the night kicks off, double-check:

• Chocolate and sweets are out of reach
• Dog ID tag and lead are ready
• Walk is done before dark
• Safe space is set up
• Enrichment toy is prepped

Halloween should be fun for everyone, including your nervous mutt. With a few simple swaps and a bit of planning, you can make sure your dog feels safe, supported, and happy all night long.

If you’re looking for dog-owner-friendly gear that’s built for real life, head to our collections. Designed for owners who understand that nervous doesn’t mean weak. It means brave in a noisy world.