Here at Taste of Home, we seriously love Halloween! (Especially the spooky snacks and DIY costumes.) But when you’re hosting a monster mash or planning on plenty of trick-or-treaters, you might not realize that Halloween can be frightening or even dangerous for dogs. Here’s a quick guide to Halloween pet safety.
Beware Toxic Treats
Dogs will beg for anything, from tasty Halloween appetizers to trick-or-treat sweets. But before you share, beware that many ingredients are dangerous or even deadly for dogs. You probably know that chocolate, even in small amounts, can be very dangerous for dogs. Keep in mind that raisins, nuts, dairy and apples are other serious no-nos.
These people foods are healthy for dogs, though.
Keep Candy Bowls Out of Reach
While handing out candy, keep the dish out of reach of inquisitive pets. Dispose of candy wrappers and keep an eye on kids eating candy. Don’t miss our guide on how to pet-proof your home.
Choose a Costume That Isn’t Scary
Few things are cuter than a puppy in a Halloween costume! Many pets don’t love being dressed up, though. To make the experience comfy for your pup, avoid costumes that constrict the head or neck area. Avoid elastic bands that pinch or restrict your pet. And definitely, never constrict your dog’s ability to open his mouth—pets need to be able to pant and breathe freely.
Minimize Doorbell Distress
The noise of the doorbell can trigger many dogs, whether it’s their security guard instinct or friendly greet-the-guests mode. Either way, they’re almost certainly not used to hearing the bell right every minute or two. If your pup is really sensitive, consider handing out candy from the front porch, so no doorbell is needed. Otherwise, your pet might be more comfortable in a room with a closed door and a radio playing to muffle the noise.
Meet-and-Greet Spooky Decorations
Halloween lawn decorations get more elaborate every year. From ghosts drifting from tree branches to inflatable goblins and ghouls, decorations can frighten dogs, especially if they’re large, mobile, equipped with audio features or hidden. Introducing dogs to decorations in the light of day, giving them space to sniff and examine, can make it less startling. Or, skip the outdoor spookiness and focus on spooky snacks instead.
Have a Stressed Pup? Try a Wrap
Some pets get overwhelmed with the hubbub of holidays. Many pets benefit from a pressure wrap, which helps relax them. Check out the ThunderShirt or similar products on Amazon or at your local pet shop.
Spooky Halloween Treats for Humans
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Spooky Snack: Eyeball Cookies
All eyes will definitely be on these adorable cookies when they're set on any buffet table. I created them for my son's kindergarten class for Halloween. —Sherry Lee, Columbus, Ohio
Sweet Treat: Scary Hairy Caramel Apples
This is a cute and tasty version of a caramel apple. It's perfect for a Halloween party. —Sally Sibthorpe, Shelby Township, Michigan
Spooky Snack: Frightening Fingers
These cookies have become somewhat famous at the school our children attend. One year, I made more than 150 of these "fingers" for their classroom Halloween parties.—Natalie Hyde, Cambridge, Ontario
Sweet Treat: Great Pumpkin Brownie
Our kids beg for these big brownies every year. I just bake brownie batter in a pizza pan, spread with orange-tinted frosting and let the kids design a pumpkin stem and jack-o'-lantern face using candy. —Darla Wester, Meriden, Iowa
Spooky Snack: Spider Cupcakes
Spooky Spider Cupcakes are creepy—and easy! Make a chocolate cupcake into a spider by adding a half-marshmallow "body" under the frosting, licorice legs and mini M&M eyes. Add chocolate sprinkles for a "hairy" effect. —Darla Wester, Meriden, Iowa
Sweet Treat: Day of the Dead Cookies
I make these Day of the Dead cookies for all occasions. In the spring, I cut them in flower shapes and insert a lollipop stick in them to make a bouquet. Using candies, food coloring and a wild imagination, try your hand at this Halloween-inspired version. —Kristine Fossmeyer, Huntley, Illinois
Spooky Snack: Vampire Mouths
Sink your teeth into handheld pies that take on a menacing persona. Using refrigerated pie pastry speeds up prep so you'll have time to carve your pumpkins, too. If you can't find walnut butter, try using natural peanut butter instead. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Sweet Treat: Ghosts to Go
Are these adorable or what? Little kids would love to eat these treats, made colorful with food coloring and decorated with candy treats. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Spooky Snack: Ghosts in the Graveyard Cake
This spooky cake is easy to make and fun to decorate. To save time, bake and freeze the brownies weeks in advance, then thaw at room temperature overnight before decorating.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Sweet Treat: Martian Marshmallows
Wrap leftovers in cellophane and hand them out as favors-if they haven't all disappeared by the end of the party.—Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Spooky Snack: Bones & Blood
Like a zombie, you'll be desperate for more of these bone-shaped cookies and dip. Fight nicely over them—no biting! —Taste of Home Food Styling Team
Sweet Treat: Trick-or-Treat Pizza
Don’t let your leftover Halloween loot go to waste. Pile your favorite candies onto a monster-size cookie. — Kendra Bowen, Louisville, Illinois
Spooky Snack: Brainy Cake
My Godson and I made this cake after fun day at the science museum. We've made it several times now, and we get a kick out of experimenting with the frosting colors. —Faith Cromwell, San Francisco, California
Sweet Treat: Mini Pumpkin Cakes
I saw these cute cakes at a local grocery store and decided to make my own version at home. They’re a hit at any fall gathering. —Jennifer Dorff, Waukesha, Wisconsin
Spooky Snack: Bat Cupcakes
Even my adult children love these Halloween cupcakes! We serve them every year at our pumpkin-carving party. You can also make them with the fudge stripes on their wings facing up for variety. —Joyce Moynihan, Lakeville, Minnesota
Sweet Treat: Stained Glass Gelatin
Kids love this sweet, wiggly gelatin and whipped topping dessert. Use different flavors of gelatin to make color versions that are as wild as your imagination. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Spooky Snack: Boo-rrific Kisses
The Taste of Home Test Kitchen turned cute meringue cookies into these whimsical kisses, perfect for Halloween. With just 15 calories, each little treat can be enjoyed guilt-free! —Phyllis Schmalz, Kansas City, Kansas
Sweet Treat: Mini Pretzel Pumpkins
Folks are sure to share some tricks in order to get some of these pleasing pumpkin-shaped treats. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Spooky Snack: Ghastly Pear Ghosts
These treats are a fun alternative to traditional caramel apples. Wrap them up and give as gifts at your Halloween party. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Sweet Treat: Choco Owls
You'll have a blast making Choco Owls to add to a Halloween treat platter. —Taste of Home Food Styling Team
Spooky Snack: Graveyard Cake
Underneath tasty tombstones, ghosts, pumpkins, worms and soil that make this dessert a conversation piece, you'll find a delectable chocolate cake made from scratch in a few simple steps. It's a recipe I use year-round with different frostings. —Vicki Schlechter, Davis, California
Sweet Treat: Halloween Chocolate Cookie Pops
Our children look forward to making these cute cookies each year. They've become experts at making silly faces with little candies.
Spooky Snack: Ghostly Custards
You'll hear shrieks of delight when these not-so-spooky pumpkin custards appear for dessert. These ghosts will be gobbled up in no time! —Suzanne Strocsher, Bothell, Washington
Sweet Treat: Black Cat Cupcakes
If a black cat crosses your path, we hope it's one of these cute chocolaty creations. This time-saving recipe relies on a boxed cake mix and a can of prepared frosting jazzed up with simple cookie and candy decorations. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Spooky Snack: Goblin Chewies
These light, crispy cookies are packed with fun ingredients perfect for Halloween. —Bernice Morris, Marshfield, Missouri
Sweet Treat: Mini Meringue Pumpkins
Cast a sweet spell over your Halloween party guests by making a pumpkin patch’s worth of treats. It’s easy to use this basic meringue recipe spiced with pumpkin flavor to scare up fun cookies. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Spooky Snack: Coffin Ice Cream Sandwiches
These cute coffin sandwiches our Test Kitchen created are such a breeze to decorate, kids could do it themselves. With ice cream sandwiches and the toppings of their choice, the frozen snacks are ready in a snap.
Sweet Treat: Chocolate Candy Corn Cupcakes
My oldest son asks me to make these cupcakes every year for his class Halloween party. I always get compliments about how tasty and cute these treats are. —Nicole Clayton, Prescott, Arizona
Spooky Snack: Marshmallow Ghosts
Kids of all ages can help prepare these easy-to-make treats. With just three ingredients that I often keep on hand, they can be put together at a moment's notice.—Nancy Foust, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania
Sweet Treat: Giant Cupcake Pumpkin
Make a smiley statement by decorating a whole tray of cupcakes. Once everyone’s seen the big picture, they can all take a treat. —Gena Lott, Ogden, Utah
Spooky Snack: Mummy Brownies
The grave couldn't hold these mummified treats for long! Watch these fudgy brownies pull a disappearing act at your Halloween get-together. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Sweet Treat: Autumn Tree Cake
You can decorate this special cake any way you like for Halloween or the colorful autumn months. —Marie Parker, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Spooky Snack: Brownie Haunted House
You don’t have to worry about getting this spooky showstopper to stand upright. These fudgy brownies are the perfect canvas for creating a silly haunted house. Trick-or-treaters beware! —Sarah Thompson, Greenfield, Wisconsin
Sweet Treat: Candy Corn Ice Cream Sandwiches
Get a head start on these sandwich cookies by shaping and chilling the homemade dough ahead of time. When you're ready, just slice and bake the tricolor treats, then spread with ice cream, assemble and freeze. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Spooky Snack: Thing
Every host needs an extra hand to put on a good party. Our tribute to the Addams Family character guarantees no one will sneak extra treats from the buffet.
Sweet Treat: Chocolate Pumpkin Spider Tart
Guests are sure to get caught up in this creamy pumpkin and chocolate swirled tart. The web pattern looks impressive, but only takes a minute to create.
Spooky Snack: Boo Berry Ghosts
Ghoulish treats cause quite a fright, but these strawberry cakes are so yummy they won't haunt you for long! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Sweet Treat: Witch-in-the-Moonlight Cheesecake
Make this ominous cheesecake the highlight of your Halloween buffet. Guests will love what is hidden inside: a fudgy filling. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Spooky Snack: Freaky Frankenstein Cookies
They're alive! Each year when the Halloween invites start coming my way, I create a little treat to bring. These cute cookies bring a lot of life to every party. —Philia Kelnhofer, West Allis, Wisconsin
Sweet Treat: So-Easy-It's-Spooky Bat Cake
This gorgeous dessert starts with a boxed cake mix. Then it’s an easy and magical trick to make the bat silhouette with cocoa. —Crystal Schlueter, Babbitt, Minnesota
Spooky Snack: Jack Skellington Pops
Cake mix makes quick work of these cake pops decorated to look like Jack the Pumpkin King from The Nightmare Before Christmas. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Sweet Treat: Ghost Shortbread Cookies
Pac-Man was my favorite video game when I was growing up. For a party, I decided to get creative and shape my go-to sugar cookies into the ghosts from the game. —Jamie S, Regina, Saskatchewan
Spooky Snack: Ghostly Cupcake Cones
Top peanut buttery cupcakes with your favorite frosting and spirited faces to make a fright of ghostly treats. They’ll vanish into thin air before you know it! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Sweet Treat: Halloween Layer Cake
There's nothing "scary" about this cake. I make it every Halloween for my husband, Mike, and our three children. —Karen Wirth, Tavistock, Ontario
Spooky Snack: Spiced Chocolate Truffles
I make truffles for family events and gift giving. Someone once asked me to add pumpkin spice, and now my recipe is legendary. —Gerry Cofta, Milwaukee, WI