7 tips to Make Halloween Safer for Your Pet

1. Don't feed your pets Halloween candy, particularly if it contains chocolate or xylitol (a common sugar substitute found in sugar-free candies and gum);
2. Make sure your pet is properly identified (microchip, collar and ID tag) just in case s/he escapes through the open door while you are distracted with trick-or-treaters;
3. Keep lit candles and jack-o-lanterns out of reach of pets;
4. If you plan to place a costume on your pet, ensure it fits properly and is comfy, does not have any pieces that may simply be chewed off, and does not interfere along with your pet's sight, hearing, breathing, opening its mouth, or moving. Take time to get your pet familiar with the costume before Halloween, and never leave your pet unsupervised while he/she is wearing a costume;
5. Keep glow sticks and glow jewelry far from your pets. although the liquid in these products isn't likely toxic, it tastes really bad and makes pets salivate excessively and act strangely;
6. If your pet is cautious of strangers or has a tendency to bite, place him/her in another room throughout trick-or-treating hours or provide him/her with a secure hiding place;
7. Keep your pet inside.