6 Halloween Candies That Are Toxic to Pets

It’s Halloween, and while all the spooky fun is great, dog parents need to be extra cautious when it comes to candy. No matter how much your pup begs for a bite of that sugary goodness, it’s a hard no when it comes to sharing Halloween candy with your dog. Even though it might seem harmless, certain types of candy can make your dog really sick—and in some cases, they can even be fatal.

So, before the trick-or-treating begins, here are six types of Halloween candies that are a big no for dogs and why you need to keep them far away from your fur baby.

1. Chocolate

Let’s be real—chocolate is a big Halloween staple, but it’s super dangerous for dogs. The darker the chocolate, the more toxic it is. Baker’s chocolate and dark chocolate are especially bad, while milk chocolate is less toxic but still risky. The reason chocolate is so harmful is because it contains theobromine and caffeine, which dogs just can’t metabolize like we can.

Depending on how much your dog eats, symptoms can range from vomiting and diarrhea to seizures and even heart failure. Even if it’s just a small amount of milk chocolate, you should call your vet ASAP to be safe. Don’t wait for symptoms to show up—sometimes they take hours, and by then, it’s harder to treat.

2. Chocolate-Covered Raisins

This combo is basically a double whammy of danger. Not only is the chocolate toxic, but raisins are too. For some reason, even one raisin or grape can cause serious kidney issues in dogs, and unfortunately, it’s not something that affects every dog the same way. Some can eat raisins and be fine, while others can have serious reactions that can lead to kidney failure or death.

If your dog manages to get into chocolate-covered raisins, don’t wait—get them to the vet immediately. Signs to look for include extreme thirst, vomiting, and lethargy.

3. Hard Candies

Hard candies might seem harmless, but they can be a serious hazard for dogs, especially if they’re sugar-free. Sugar-free candies often contain xylitol, which is incredibly dangerous for dogs. Even a small amount of xylitol can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar, leading to seizures, coma, or worse.

Plus, hard candies are a choking hazard, especially if your dog tries to swallow them whole. If your dog eats any sugar-free hard candy, call your vet right away.

4. Candy Corn

Candy corn is everywhere around Halloween, but it’s not a good idea to let your dog snack on it. While it’s not toxic like chocolate or xylitol, it’s packed with sugar, which can upset your dog’s stomach. High-sugar candies can cause bloating, gas, and diarrhea in dogs, and in some cases, can lead to a condition called pancreatitis, which is serious and can be life-threatening. If your dog gets their paws on a small amount of candy corn, they might be okay, but keep an eye out for any digestive issues and call your vet if things get worse.

5. Lollipops

Lollipops are another Halloween classic, but they’re bad news for dogs. Not only do they contain a lot of sugar, but the stick itself can become a choking hazard or cause blockages in their digestive system. If your dog eats a lollipop, you’ll want to monitor them for signs of distress like vomiting, lack of appetite, or lethargy. And definitely call your vet to figure out the next steps.

6. Candy Wrappers

Most dogs won’t bother unwrapping the candy—they’ll eat the whole thing, wrapper and all. Unfortunately, candy wrappers can cause blockages in their digestive system, which can lead to serious issues, especially if the wrappers ball together. Even small quantities can cause inflammation in the digestive tract. If you notice your dog has eaten candy with the wrapper on, call your vet to figure out if it’s going to pass or if further treatment is needed.

My Dog Ate Halloween Candy—Now What?

If you catch your dog munching on some Halloween candy, don’t panic—but don’t wait around, either. It’s better to call your vet right away than wait for symptoms to develop. Depending on what and how much your dog ate, your vet will give you the best advice on how to move forward.

In more serious cases, you might need to rush to the emergency vet, especially if your dog ate something like dark chocolate, raisins, or candy with xylitol. You can also call a pet poison control hotline for advice while you’re on your way to the vet.

When it comes to Halloween candy and dogs, prevention is key.

Keep all candy out of reach, and make sure your pup stays away from trick-or-treat bowls. If you’re really wanting to share some spooky fun with your dog, look for pet-safe Halloween treats—there are plenty of cute options that your dog will love, and they won’t come with any risks.

Also, it’s a good idea to keep emergency numbers handy, including your vet and the nearest emergency clinic. A little planning can go a long way in keeping your dog safe this Halloween season.

At Joyride Harness, we know that being a dog parent comes with its challenges, especially when it comes to keeping your pup safe and happy. Our blog is packed with helpful tips, from seasonal safety advice to product recommendations, so you can focus on enjoying life with your furry best friend. We’ve got your back, and we’re here to make sure you and your dog are always prepared for whatever comes your way!