Halloween can be a scary time...for dogs! Here are some simple safety precautions to remember for next week:

**Make sure that all candy, especially chocolate, is out of your dog's reach. This also includes candy wrappers which, if injested by your dog, can cause serious injury to his/her digestive track.

**Keep dogs inside on Halloween. With all the extra activity and excitement, your dog may get nervous or startled. Also, Halloween tends to bring out pranksters and even malicious people who might want to harm your pet.

**Dogs and costumes do not always mix. Sure, you might think that your dog is adorable as a pink princess, but many pets do not share their owners' enthusiasm when they are dressed up in uncomfortable costumes. It really depends on the dog: some are fine wearing costumes, others are not. Try on the costume in advance and gauge your dog's response. Make sure that the costume does not restrict his/her movement or cause any injury. And never use masks which can restrict your dog's vision. Just because you think it is cute to dress up does not mean that your dog will enjoy it!

**Make sure that candles and lighted Jack-O-Lanterns are out of your dog's reach so he/she is not burned or able to accidentally start a fire.

Follow these simple precautions, and Halloween can be a much safer and more comfortable holiday for your dog!