It’s time for little ghouls and monsters to make an appearance on our doorsteps. This year we have so many other safety factors to consider that we don’t want to forget to keep our fur kids safe as well.

Door Safety is key!

The doorbell can become overwhelming for any dog so you may consider placing him/her in an interior room away from an array of sights and sounds. That open front door is also an invitation to push boundaries and make an escape. Best to keep all pets inside preferably in a very comfortable, safe room where the call of the wild doesn’t offer a chance to scoot past mom or dad while they’re otherwise occupied with candy distribution. Now is a great time to check and make certain they have a collar with up to date tags on it.

Next up, keep the treats out of reach!

The candy bowl is for trick-or-treaters, not pups and kitties. Several popular Halloween treats are toxic to pets. Chocolate in all forms—especially dark or baking chocolate—can be very dangerous for cats and dogs, and sugar-free candies containing the sugar substitute xylitol can cause serious problems in pets. If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately.

Watch the Decorations and Keep Wires Out of Reach

A carved jack-o-lantern certainly is festive, pets can easily knock over a lit pumpkin and start a fire. Opt for the safer battery operated candles. Curious kittens are especially at risk of getting burned or singed by candle flame. Popular Halloween plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn are considered relatively nontoxic, but can produce stomach discomfort in pets who nibble on them.

Be Careful with Costumes

For some pets, wearing a costume may cause undue stress. The ASPCA recommends that you don’t put your dog or cat in a costume unless you know he or she loves it. If you do dress up your pet for Halloween, make sure the costume does not limit his or her movement, sight or ability to breathe, bark or meow. Check the costume carefully for small, dangling or easily chewed-off pieces that could present a choking hazard. Ill-fitting outfits can get twisted on external objects or your pet, leading to injury. Be sure to have your pet try on the costume before the big night. If he or she seems distressed or shows abnormal behavior, consider letting your pet wear his or her “birthday suit” or don a festive bandana instead.

Enjoy the night, stay safe and don’t forget to set your clocks back when you head to the coffin I mean bed Saturday night.