Safety Tips for a Pet Safe Howl-O-Ween

I know you've all heard this many times before, but considering that today is Halloween, you should be extra attentive to your dog, and you can do so with these safety tips for your pet found on startribune.com. Just because Halloween is filled with tricks and treats, doesn't mean your doggie should be chowing down on those chocolate bars! Keep these tips in mind for your pet this Howl-O-Ween:

1. Chocolate is dangerous for dogs and cats. Tin foil and cellophane candy wrappers can be hazardous if swallowed.

2. Pumpkins and decorative corn can produce gastrointestinal upset or intestinal blockage if ingested.

3. Keep wires and cords from electric lights and other decorations out of reach.

4. Use caution so that pets don't knock over a candlelit pumpkin or get burned.

5. If you decide to put a costume on your pet, please do so with caution.

6. Make sure the pet's costume isn't constricting the animal's movement or hearing, or impede her ability to breathe or bark. Monitor or remove small, dangling, or easily chewed-off pieces on the costume.

7. Make sure your pet's costume does not obstruct her vision. Even the sweetest animals can get snappy when they can't see.

8. All but the most social dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room during peak trick-or-treat visiting hours. Too many strangers can be scary and stressful for pets.

9. When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, take care that your pet doesn't dart outside.

10. Always make sure your pet has proper identification of a collar with tags and/or a microchip.