How do you keep dogs safe on Halloween? From adorable costumes to spooky decorations, Halloween can be a fun family activity.  But when it comes to your four-legged friend, it can be stressful and scary. Many of us love Halloween and want to include our pets in the celebration. To help keep your pet at ease this Halloween, we’ve compiled a list of our top three Halloween pet tips.

Should You Dress Up Your Pet for Halloween?

Part of the joy of Halloween comes from all the adorable pet costumes you’ll find at the store. Putting a costume on a dog or cat can be a battle. That’s why if you plan to put a costume on your pet, make sure it fits properly and is comfortable. Double check that it doesn’t have any pieces that can easily be chewed off, and doesn’t interfere with your pet’s sight, hearing, breathing, opening its mouth, or moving. Take time to get your pet used to the costume before Halloween, and never leave your pet unsupervised while they are wearing a costume. If your pet seems scared, stressed or unwilling to put on the costume, it’s best to hang up the costume in the closet. It’s not worth giving your pet extra stress.

Can I Let My Dog Lick Candy?

This pet tip is probably one of the most important Halloween pet tips you’ll read. Candy may taste delicious, but as we all know chocolate is bad for our pets. Another common ingredient found in our yummy treats is xylitol. This common sugar substitute can be found in sugar-free candies and gum but is also hazardous to your pet. So be sure that your candy and treats are off the floor in an area your pets can’t get to.

To add to this tip, be sure to keep lit candles and jack-o-lanterns out of reach of pets. They too can be dangerous.  For more information on hazardous items, visit the American Veterinary Medical Association website.

Microchip or Treat

With so many people coming and going on the night of Halloween, it’s important that your pet has a form of identification on. Your pet may slip out as you open the door to give some goodies to the visiting ghosts and ghouls, so it’s better to be prepared. Whether it’s his collar and tags or a microchip, (preferably both such as the BuddyID Complete Protection System), having identification can help bring your lost pet home faster.

If your pet is wary of strangers, put him in another room during trick-or-treating hours or provide him with a safe hiding place.

Halloween can be a fun time of year for you and your family. If you choose to involve your pets, it’s important you take the proper steps to keep them calm and comfortable.