Heavy on the Tricks – Easy on the Treats this Halloween

While Halloween means fun and frolic for kids can be a frightening time for family dogs. Each Halloween, veterinarians nationwide see pet injuries that could have been avoided. Here are some ways we can protect pets:

• Walk your dog before trick-or-treaters start their visits. Many dogs can frightened by children in costumes.

• Find a secure place in your home to keep your dogs, if you're giving out candy to trick-or-treaters. Many dogs get loose when the door opens, and the presence of little (and big) costumed people often scares animals, increasing the chance dogs will run away.

• Make sure your dog is wearing an up-to-date I.D. tag.

• Place a dog gate in front of your front door to block access in case someone accidentally lets your pet out of the place where he's confined.

• Consider crating your dog, which can make him feel more secure and reduce chances of accidental escapes. Provide chew toys, a favorite blanket, a piece of clothing with your scent on it, or whatever comforts the animal. Play soft music or a recording of soothing sounds.

• If you want to have your dog near the door to greet visitors, keep him on leash. Pets can become very stressed by holiday activities and unwelcome interruptions in routine.

• Keep dogs indoors. It's a bad idea to leave dogs out in the yard; in addition to the parade of holiday celebrants frightening and agitating them, there have been reports of taunting, poisonings and pet thefts. Plus they're likely to bark and howl at the constant flow of treat or treaters.

• Keep dogs out of the candy bowl. Chocolate is especially dangerous for dogs. Dispose of dangerous candy wrappers before your pets get to them. Make sure the dogs can't get into the trash.

• Make sure pets can't reach candles, jack-o-lanterns, decorations or ornaments.

• Halloween costumes can annoy animals and pose safety and health hazards...so think twice before dressing up the dog. Make sure the dog can breathe, see and hear. Remove any small or dangling accessories that could be chewed and swallowed. And please remember to never leave a dog unsupervised in a costume.

While you are getting ready for Halloween, planning your costumes, craving the pumpkin and buying the candy, it's a good idea to take a few minutes to make sure your dog is protected. With this in mind Halloween can be a fun time for the whole family.