Keep Halloween Candy Away From Dogs This Weekend
Leftover chocolate and wrappers left on counters can tempt dogs, so store treats where pets cannot reach them.
Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Dogs
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Do you keep Halloween candy stored out of reach of your dogs?
Officials are urging pet owners to keep Halloween candy, especially chocolate, out of reach of dogs as leftover treats remain in homes for several days after the holiday.
Why it matters
Candy bowls, treat bags and chocolate bars are tempting to dogs, and treats left on countertops are a common target, so a single unattended bag can put a household pet at risk. The reminder comes as leftover candy is expected to stay accessible through the weekend after Halloween.
Leftover candy is expected to stay in homes for the entire weekend after Halloween, a window in which dogs can reach treats stored on countertops. Chocolate in candy is the specific ingredient flagged as dangerous to dogs.
The details
Dogs can reach candy left on countertops through counter surfing, a common way pets get into treats left within reach. Plastic wrappers, packaging and small toys can also cause problems if a pet chews or swallows them. Pets that have ingested something harmful may show changes in behavior, so owners should watch for unusual signs and act quickly.
Timeline
November 1, 2026: Reminder published urging pet owners to keep Halloween candy away from dogs.
Weekend after Halloween: Leftover candy expected to remain accessible in many homes.
The Home Front
Holiday candy left out after festivities is a recurring seasonal household hazard tied to kitchen counters, which are the main place dogs reach food. The reminder places pet safety alongside other seasonal home habits that shift during the holidays.
Store Halloween candy in closed cabinets or high shelves rather than on countertops or in open bowls, and keep wrappers and small toys off the floor. If you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate or a wrapper, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control service right away.
The takeaway
Leftover candy is one of the most overlooked household pet hazards after Halloween, so put treats away after each use. Keep chocolate and wrappers stored where your dog cannot reach them through the weekend.
Further reading
For more on keeping pups safe at home, browse our Dogs coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KABB.
Live Poll
Do you keep Halloween candy stored out of reach of your dogs?
