Halloween, with its tricks and treats, is a widely celebrated holiday. It also can be a dangerous time for your dog, with increased calls to the pet poison hotline.

Whatever your Halloween plans are, whether you will dress up your pup in costume or greet trick or treaters at home, the American Kennel Club offers the following tips for having a safe holiday.

Pet Halloween costumes. If you do decide to dress your pet up for Halloween, always be around to supervise. Make sure the costume fits properly and is not obstructing their breathing, eyesight or hearing. Additionally, be on the lookout for elastic items or decorations, as they could cause intestinal blockage or choking if ingested.

Plan accordingly. If you are trying to avoid the Halloween festivities, walk your dog earlier in the day (while there is still daylight) to avoid distractions or hazards. The ground might be littered with dangerous candy or wrappers.

Keep candy out of reach. Candy and sweets are harmful to your dog. A dog’s digestive system cannot handle sweets. Chocolate contains theobromine, which can be extremely dangerous and sometimes fatal to dogs. Keep in mind that baking chocolate has especially high levels of this chemical. Candy can also contain xylitol, a chemical that even in small amounts can be fatal to dogs. Keep all harmful treats out of reach.

Candle safety. Be intentional when placing your Jack-O-Lanterns or candles, as they can be easily knocked over by your dog and start a fire or burn your pet. Always place these kinds of items out of reach or opt for an electronic, flameless alternative.

Trick-or-treaters and your dog. Remember that kids in costumes could scare your dog. Always make sure your dog is in a safe and secure room when answering the door. If you want your dog to join you in greeting trick-or-treaters, keep them on a leash and remember that it might be stressful for your dog to have a change in noise, activity level or an interruption in their routine.

Keep your dog inside. Even if your dog is behind a fence, do not leave them outside on Halloween. Pranksters increase on Halloween and passersby could be tempted to give your dog candy and treats without being aware that they can harm your dog.

For more tips on responsible dog ownership, visit www.akc.org.

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