por Peggy Scott

All Hallow’s Eve, the day on which everything goes bump in the night, is the time for spooky, kooky fun. However, since few kitties and canines consult the calendar on a regular basis, all the October 31st ghoulish goings-on can be fur-raisingly frightening. So in the interest of limiting the Halloween mayhem to the make-believe variety, here are a few tips to keeping pets safe.

One of the scariest things about Halloween is chocolate — when it falls into the wrong hands, er, paws. According to the ASPCA, chocolate, especially dark or baking chocolate, can be very dangerous for cats and dogs, potentially causing symptoms ranging from vomiting to seizures. That kibosh applies to other sweets as well, particularly candies made with the artificial sweetener xylitol, which, even in small amounts, can poison dogs — even to the point of liver failure. And it’s not just the treat that’s a trick — the wrappings, foil, cellophane, etc., can be choking hazards or cause intestinal blockage. So unless you choose to dress as a frantic pet parent at the veterinary emergency clinic this year, keep the goodies out of reach.

For some pets, the stream of unusual-looking “visitors” can be upsetting. Keep shy or territorial critters away from the front door during trick-or-treating times. Not only does a quiet back room increase calm, it also decreases the likelihood of a dash out the open door. Just in case, make sure all four-legged family members have I.D. tags to help them return home should they escape and become lost.

Items such as jack-o-lanterns and decorative corn help set the seasonally spooky mood. Just keep in mind that while relatively nontoxic, notes the ASPCA, they can cause gastrointestinal distress, which can mean unexpected “decorations” on your carpet. Keep an eye on other adornments that have wires or cords — curious little teeth may find them and the result can be “shocking.” You might want to reconsider the candles as well, if there’s any chance they can be knocked over or unintentionally ignite whiskers or tails.

Many people like to include Fido or Fluffy when dressing up, but make sure participation is voluntary. Some pets really enjoy hamming it up — for others, the process is stressful. Even if your Maltese has her heart set on being Minnie Mouse, make sure the costume doesn’t limit movement or impede sight or the ability to bark (or meow). And no matter what their disguise, no pet’s costume is complete without a leash — lost on Halloween is a horror story for everyone. Make sure your day has a happy ending.

Peggy Scott is a freelance pet writer. She can be contacted at [email protected]