Halloween can be a festive and fun time for children and families. But for pets? Let's face it, it can be a downright nightmare. Forgo the stress and dangers this year by following these 7 easy tips.

1. Candies are no treat for pets

All forms of chocolate -- especially baking or dark chocolate -- can be dangerous, even lethal, for dogs and cats. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning may include vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and seizures. Halloween candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can also be poisonous to dogs. Even small amounts of xylitol can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar and subsequent loss of coordination and seizures. And while xylitol toxicity in cats has yet to be established, it's better to be safe than sorry. Know where your closest animal emergency center is located just in case!

2. Don't leave pets outside a few days before and after Halloween night

Surprisingly, vicious pranksters have been known to tease, injure, steal, and even kill pets on Halloween night. Even more common is the harm and torture of black cats due to superstitions. Each year after Halloween, we gets calls of injured and abused black cats, likely victims of Halloween torture. PLEASE keep your pets inside and safe and if you see ANYTHING suspicious call the police. Animal abuse often leads to the abuse of children and domestic violence later in life. 

3. Keep pets confined and away from the door

Not only will your door be constantly opening and closing on Halloween, but strangers will be dressed in unusual costumes and yelling loudly for their candy. This, of course, is scary for our furry friends. Dogs are especially territorial and may become anxious and growl at innocent trick-or-treaters. Putting your dog or cat in a secure room away from the front door will also prevent them from darting outside into the night … a night when no one wants to be searching for a lost loved one. Even better sit outside your front door if it is a nice night and prevent the doorbells all together. 

4. Don't keep lit pumpkins around pets

Should they get too close, they run the risk of burning themselves or knocking it over and causing a fire.

 5. Keep wires and electric light cords out of reach

If chewed, your pet could cut himself or herself on shards of glass or plastic, or receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock.

6. Don't dress your pet in a costume unless you know they'll love it

If you do decide that Fido or Kitty needs a costume, make sure it isn't annoying or unsafe. It should not constrict movement, hearing, or the ability to breathe or bark and meow. Many animals become stressed and anxious if they are not used to wearing costumes.  If they seem distressed, allergic, or show abnormal behavior, consider letting them go in their “birthday suit”. Festive bandanas or hats are usually just as cute! (Pictured left is Pabst Blue Ribbon. He is currently up for adoption.)

7. IDs, please!

If your dog or cat should escape and become lost, having the proper identification will increase the chances that they will be returned. 1 in 3 pets is lost at some point in their lifetime. Make sure they have the tools they need to get back home. An up-to-date tag and a microchip with current contact information is VITAL! 

We hope you have a fun and safe Halloween with your pets!

Tips courtesy of PetMD.com