Keep your dog safe this Halloween by keeping these tips in mind!

1. Trick or Treat candy is not for your pets.
All forms of chocolate are dangerous for your pet, especially baking chocolate and dark chocolate. Many Halloween candies contain Xylitol, an artificial sweetener, which is poisonous to your pup. Xylitol is also found in sugar-free gum and some peanut butters, please be aware of your peanut butter’s ingredients before you give it to your pup.

2. Don’t give your pet a chance to escape!
Keep anxious pets confined or away from the door and trick or treaters. Strangers dressed in costumes may frighten your dog, causing them to dart outside. Halloween is not a night to be looking for a lost family pet.

3. Don’t keep lit pumpkins around pets.
Everyone loves a jack-o-lantern, but dogs and fire do not mix. Keep lit pumpkins out of reach of your dog, your pet may get too close and burn themselves or knock it over causing a fire.

4. Don’t dress you pet in a costume they don’t love!
If you decide your pup will make the perfect Robin to your Batman, make sure the costume fits correctly and is not annoying to your dog. The costume should not constrain movement, vision, hearing or breathing. Testing the costume a day or two before to see how they do is always a good idea. A bandana covered in bats or pumpkins is always a festive alternative.

5. Identification, Please!
Always make sure your pet is wearing identification. A dog tag with contact information or a microchip could save your puppies life, and increase the odds they will be returned safely to you.