Halloween can be a fun time of year for kids, adults, and even our pets. But just as we take safety measures with our children, it’s also important to do the same with our dogs and cats.

Keep in mind that while it may be cute for you to see children dressed in costumes, your dog might have a different reaction. An adorable little lady bug or Darth Vader at your door could make your dog feel the need to protect your home.

You can work on this in advance by socializing your dog with masks, hats, and decorations so it won’t be so shocking come Halloween day. If your dog growls, barks or acts fearful, be sure to tell your dog “No”, and teach a more appropriate behavior such as doing obedience commands instead.

Another common problem is behavior by the door when trick-or-treaters arrive. Spend some time working with your dog on not bolting out the door, barking, or jumping on visitors. Work with your dog on a leash, and practice ringing the doorbell and having him sit. Repetition is the key with this exercise.

While most of us live in wholesome, family-oriented neighborhoods, please keep in mind that some people may not be as kind to pets. Avoid leaving your pet (dog or cat) outdoors on Halloween, and be sure to supervise and protect your pet from teasing, being scared, or worse. Do not allow your own children to tease or scare your dog or puppy either. What may have been intended as an innocent prank of spooking the dog could turn into a serious ongoing problem.

Chocolate is another big concern this time of year. Be sure to keep all chocolate out of reach of your dog, and talk to your kids about the dangers of giving your dog candy (or leaving it around). Ingesting very small amounts of chocolate can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Larger amounts can cause permanent heart and nervous system problems, or even death! If you think your dog has ingested chocolate, contact your veterinarian immediately. You can also visit the National Animal Poison Control Center web site at www.napcc.aspca.org. Or you can phone (888)426-4435 to get emergency poison information about your pet for a fee.

By implementing some safety measures and training in advance, Halloween can be a fun and safe time for everyone!

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