Dog and Cat Halloween Hazards 2026: Here are four spooky decorations that are dangerous for pets - and how to decorate safely 🐶
Dog owners looking to decorate their houses this Halloween should heed these warnings or risk being cursed with vet bills.
Halloween is on Saturday, October 31 this year, with more trick-or-treaters and parties expected than usual due to it landing right in the middle of a weekend setting.
For many families, decorating the house is half the fun. But some of the most popular decorations can be surprisingly risky for pets.
But Natalie Surtees, co-founder of Tedaisy Insurance Group, the company behind Perfect Pet, explained: "Halloween can be great fun for families, but some decorations that seem harmless can create unexpected risks for cats and dogs.
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"Pets are naturally curious, so anything dangling, flashing, edible-looking or easy to chew can quickly become a problem."
Most owners know that sweets should be kept well out of reach, with chocolate and xylitol used in suger-free treats poisinous to dogs, but fewer think of decorations as being dangerous,
Here are the four decorations Natalie says owners should think twice about, and how you can decorate better.
Fake cobwebs
Stringy decorations are a particular risk for cats. Fake cobwebs, ribbon, tinsel, thread and the string on hanging decorations can all be tempting to play with.
Cats' tongues have tiny backward-facing barbs, so once they start chewing something stringy, they often end up swallowing it.
Swallowed string can cause a serious blockage and damage the intestines, and it can result in emergency surgery. If you see string hanging from your cat's mouth or bottom, don't pull it, as this can cause serious internal injury. Contact your vet straight away."
Natalie said signs a cat may have swallowed something include vomiting, not eating, lethargy, straining or not passing faeces, and seeming uncomfortable when picked up. Dogs and other pets can also get tangled in cobwebs, so her advice is to avoid stringy decorations altogether, or keep them completely out of reach.
Electrical lights and decorations
Flashing lights and light-up ornaments are a risk for both cats and dogs.
Loose wires, extension leads and battery-operated lights can be tempting for pets to investigate or chew. Wherever possible, cables should be kept out of reach or secured properly, and battery compartments should be firmly closed.
Real candles
Candles in pumpkins and on windowsills are a Halloween staple, but they're best avoided in homes with pets, especially cats that jump onto shelves and tables.
LED candles are a much safer way to create the same spooky atmosphere without the risk of burns or a pet knocking a candle over.
Fake spiders and small plastic decorations
Plastic spiders, bats, skulls and other small props can look a lot like toys to a curious pet - they could be swallowed or choked on meaning they should be kept well out of reach.
What is a safer ways to decorate
This advice doesn't mean skipping the decorations. Natalie said window stickers and removable decals create the effect without leaving anything loose for a pet to grab, while fabric banners work well if they're hung high enough. Large, solid pieces such as pumpkins or sturdy ornaments are also fine, as long as pets can't chew bits off them. Happy Halloween.
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