Tips for keeping your pets safe this Halloween

Ahead of Halloween, veterinary experts are recommending tips for helping keep your pets safe.

~Be cautious with candy.  Chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats in all forms, with dark and baking chocolate posing the greatest danger, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.  Sugar-free candies often also contain a sweetener called xylitol, which can cause serious illness.

Raisins are another common hazard, as they can cause kidney failure in pets, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.  You should also keep all candy bowls and treat bags well out of reach, including any stash your kids bring home.

~Not every pet loves a costume.  The ASPCA recommends skipping dressing up altogether unless you know your pet is comfortable, and never leave a costumed pet unsupervised.  If you do dress up your dog or cat, make sure the outfit fits properly, doesn’t block their vision, hearing or breathing, and has no small pieces that could be chewed off and swallowed, the AVMA warns.  A festive bandana is a safer alternative for pets who find costumes stressful, the ASPCA suggests.

~Keep pets inside and away from the doors.  A constant stream of strangers in costumes can be stressful or frightening for even social pets.  Veterinary experts recommend putting pets in a separate, comfortable room away from the front door during peak trick-or-treating hours, according to the ASPCA.

A food puzzle toy or favorite chew can help keep anxious pets calm.  Keeping pets indoors also reduces the risk of them slipping out through an open door, which happens more than owners expect on busy Halloween nights, according to PetMD.

~Be mindful of decorations.  Lit candles and jack-o-lanterns should be kept out of reach of curious pets, who can knock them over and start a fire or get burned, according to the ASPCA.  Glow sticks and glow jewelry are another hazard.  The liquid inside is unlikely to cause serious harm, but it can cause pets to drool excessively or act strangely if chewed, the AVMA warns.  You should also keep wires, batteries and any small decorative pieces away from pets as well.

~Make sure your pet is identified.  Halloween is one of the most common nights for pets to escape.  Make sure your pet has a microchip, collar and ID tag before the night begins, according to the AVMA.  If you take your pet outside after dark, use a reflective collar and keep them securely leashed.

If you suspect your pet has eaten something toxic, contact your veterinarian or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 immediately.