[caption id="attachment_48500" align="alignleft" width="200"] Photo: Judi Mcmearty[/caption]

Halloween night can be a stressful time for because of the strange noises and kids in scary costumes going up and down the street. It is important that owners are mindful of potential pet hazards that can sometimes go along with this fun holiday.

Pumpkins

If you are using a candle to light your pumpkin, place it in a pet-free zone.

Costumes

If you are dressing up your pet, try the costume on before Halloween to make sure it fits comfortably. Make sure it doesn't hinder his/her ability to move. A festive bandanna may be a good alternative to a costume. Always monitor your pet while he/she is wearing their costume and limit the amount of time they wear it.

Candy

Be aware that tasty candy for humans can be dangerous to pets. Keep Halloween treats safely away from pets.

Chocolate is poisonous.

The artificial sweetener xylitol can be harmful, too, and is in many sugarless candies and gums.

Trick-Or-Treating

Unless your pet is particularly outgoing, it is best to keep them safe and quiet in a separate room. A bunch of strangers visiting a pet's home multiple times in a night (and ringing the doorbell each time) can be stressful for them. Each time you open the door for a trick-or-treater, your pet could escape. Be sure he/she has a current tag and license secured onto their collar. It is another great reason to have them safely confined in a back room with no chance to zip out of a front door.

If you follow these common sense tips, you and your pets will surely have a Happy Halloween. If you would like more information on this topic, click here.

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