Costumes, candy, and trick-or-treating make Halloween one of the most enjoyable holidays of the year. However, if you are a pet owner, Halloween revelry can pose a number of risks to your dog. Keep reading to ensure that this Halloween is spooky and safe for everyone involved, including your dog!

Your dog will be very tempted by an abundance of candy lying around the house. That’s why you need to make sure the only goodies he can get his paws on this Halloween are healthy or all-natural dog treats. If you have children at home, tell them that giving the dog “people food,” especially candy, is a big no-no. Dogs love the smell and taste of chocolate, but it is toxic if they ingest it.

Besides chocolate, raisins are dangerous for dogs. In fact, raisins or grapes can cause diarrhea, lethargy, vomiting and kidney failure in dogs. You and your children might be tempted to include your beloved pet in the Halloween festivities, but substitute the sweets for healthy dog treats instead. If your dog accidentally eats chocolate, raisins, or any other inedible objects, seek immediate veterinary assistance or call the animal poison control hotline.

Not every dog will enjoy the hectic nature of Halloween night. Some dogs may become frightened or even aggressive at the sight of their owners bedecked in costumes and other Halloween garb. In addition, frequent knocks at the door might be enough to send your dog cowering in the other room or barking frantically at trick-or-treaters. Even the most well trained dogs might act slightly out of character on Halloween, so be observant and monitor your pet’s activities. Don’t hesitate to reward your dog’s good behavior with dog treats, or put him in a “time out” if he misbehaves.

If your dog is naturally shy or timid, it’s best to find a quiet spot in the house, where he’ll feel safe (perhaps his crate), so he can avoid all the Halloween activity. Reassure him with a calm, soothing voice and give him chew toys to keep him occupied. You might even leave a television or radio on in the background to distract him from outside noises. If he remains calm, reward him with some dog treats.

If you want to include your dog in the Halloween fun, keep in mind that dogs can easily feel frightened or threatened. If you take him with you and the kids for trick-or-treating, be sure he’s always on a leash. Don’t let strangers approach him or touch him - he could feel cornered and inclined to react aggressively.

If you plan to dress your dog up in a Halloween costume, you must supervise him at all times. Make sure the costume is loose fitting and that all elastic strings or small parts cannot be gnawed off or ingested. If your dog devours a part of his costume, he could choke or be faced with uncomfortable bowel obstructions - both requiring emergency veterinary assistance. To be safe, only choose costumes that don’t have anything dangling off; if your dog is outside in his costume, loose parts can easily tangle in shrubs. Remember: if your dog is patient enough to wear a Halloween costume, reward him for his efforts (and cuteness) with dog treats!

Make this Halloween a fun and safe holiday for the whole family. Keep your dog out of harm’s way with constant supervision!