First section courtesy of Cesar’s Way Magazine.

There are some scary Halloween dangers for your dog that you need to watch out for.

1) Halloween candy can be toxic to your dog.

Don’t let your dog eat Halloween candy. Chocolate is toxic to dogs and tin foil and cellophane wrappers can be hazardous if swallowed. Seal your child’s stash and keep out of reach.

2) Be careful with candles near your dog!

Sometimes a stray tail can knock over a candle-lit pumpkin leading to a fire. Consider using a no flame, no mess alternative to light up your jack-o-lantern.

3) Wires and cords could harm your dog.

Make sure to safely secure all wires and cords from decorative lights and props. Chewing on cords could cause cuts, burns or possibly life-threatening electrical shock.

4) Door bells can be scary for your dog.

All but the most social dogs should be kept away from the front door during peak trick-or-treat hours. All those strangers repeatedly ringing the bell can be very scary and stressful.

5) Keep your dog’s ID on!

Sometimes accidents happen and while you are frequently opening the door for trick-or-treaters your pup may make a run for it. The proper identification can be a lifesaver.

Let’s Not Forget, Too, It’s Black Cat Month

Sadly, shelters have recently seen a trend in the number of black cats that are adopted at this time of year, and then are suddenly returned stating they “just didn’t work out”.  Some of these “adopters” just want people to see a black cat in their window for the season, or have a familiar to go with their witch costume.  Basically, they think of cats as property and not as fellow beings with feelings.

Many shelters and humane societies refuse to allow adoption of black cats during the month of October, because of fears the animals may be abused.  For this reason, we suggest you are particularly careful to watch out for all your cats at this time, not only the black coated fur babies.