Halloween Treats Dangerous for Dogs and Cats | New Zealand Pet Safety Guide

Halloween is full of spooky costumes and sweet snacks, but not all treats are safe for our furry family members. While we’re busy handing out lollies or enjoying festive goodies, our cats and dogs may be tempted to sneak a taste — and unfortunately, many Halloween treats can be seriously harmful to pets. As New Zealand’s trusted pet care experts, we get pet and we’re here to help you keep them safe. Let’s take a look at which Halloween snacks to keep well out of paw’s reach.

1. Chocolate: A Classic No-No For Cats And Dogs

Chocolate is perhaps the most widely known food hazard for pets — and for good reason. It contains theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to both dogs and cats. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate have particularly high levels and even a small amount can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, rapid breathing, or seizures in pets.

Make sure to keep your stash safely tucked away, and if you’re handing out chocolate to trick-or-treaters, be mindful not to leave open bowls on tables or porches unattended. If you suspect your furry mate has eaten chocolate, call your vet immediately.

2. Sugar-Free Sweets Containing Xylitol

Watch out for sugar-free lollies, gums, and baked goods that contain xylitol. This artificial sweetener is extremely toxic to dogs and can cause a swift release of insulin, leading to hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), seizures, liver failure, or even death. While xylitol’s effects on cats aren’t as well studied, it’s better to be safe than sorry and keep these well out of paw’s reach.

If you’re looking for safer treat options, check out our range of pet-friendly treats that will let your four-legged friend join in the Halloween fun, minus the scary health risks.

3. Lollipops, Hard Candies And Wrappers

Even if a lolly doesn’t contain harmful ingredients, hard candies and their wrappers can pose choking hazards or become lodged in your pet’s intestines. The high sugar content can also cause an upset stomach or lead to long-term issues like obesity and dental disease.

If you find a curious pup or sneaky kitty showing too much interest in sweets, redirect them with a tasty distraction like natural dog treats or freeze-dried cat treats.

4. Raisins And Sultanas: Sneaky But Dangerous

If Halloween baking is your thing, be careful with any goodies containing raisins or sultanas. These dried fruits are highly toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure, even in small amounts. Some cats may also react, though it’s less common. It’s best to avoid giving pets any baked treats made for humans.

Instead, reward your pet with a treat made especially for them. Our NZ-made treats are a delicious and safe option your pets will love — no tricks, just treats.

5. Glow Sticks And Costume Accessories

Those spooky glow accessories may light up the night, but they’re not chew toys. Glow sticks and glow jewellery often contain dibutyl phthalate, a chemical that — while not commonly deadly — tastes awful and can cause drooling, mouth irritation, vomiting, and restlessness if chewed by pets. Other costume accessories, like plastic parts or fake cobwebs, can also pose a choking or intestinal hazard if swallowed.

Want to keep your furry friend happily distracted while the kids head out trick-or-treating? Try an interactive pet toy or a long-lasting chew toy to keep them busy and safe.

How To Keep Pets Safe During Halloween

Here are a few easy tips to keep Halloween fun — and safe — for everyone in your household:

• Store all human treats well out of reach
• Keep pets away from entryways during trick-or-treat hours
• Use pet-safe decorations — avoid anything that can be chewed or swallowed
• Offer pet-approved treats to include them in the celebrations
• Have some calming options ready for more anxious pets. Check out our calming essentials to help them cope with the noise and commotion

And remember, if your pet does manage to sneak a forbidden snack, don’t wait — phone your local vet for advice straight away.

Celebrate Safely With Petdirect

We get it — your pets are part of the family, and you want to include them in everything, especially fun holidays like Halloween. With a bit of awareness and a stash of pet-safe treats on hand, you can make the spooky season safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Happy Howl-oween from all of us at Petdirect!

Ready to treat your furry family member? Explore our deals on dog and cat treats and earn Airpoints or save through our Pet Perks programme — because keeping them safe should always come with a few perks too!