Halloween is my favorite time of year! Leaves are all orange, red, and yellow. Candy corn is abundant and I’m one of the very few people that enjoy it. And people are constantly posting adorable photos of their pets dressed up in cute costumes!

Halloween is a fun night (or several fun nights) for everyone! Including your furry friends! But some pets can get a bit overwhelmed with the Tricks and Treats!

Here are some helpful tips to keep your pets safe and happy this Halloween:

• Keep your pets inside! There are a lot of weird people in this world, and Halloween is the perfect time for them to wander the streets. Keep your pets inside to ensure their safety. Even in the small, quiet suburb I grew up in we had teenagers in the neighborhood that “sacrificed” kittens. Terrible, but true.
• Now that they’re inside, create a quiet space for them! Having kids ringing the doorbell every few minutes can get on anyone’s nerves, and it can give your pets a lot of anxiety. Even the sweetest of dogs can end up growling at a child. It’s best to create a nice snuggly spot in the bedroom with some calming music on in the background. Giving them their favorite treat is a nice addition!
• Speaking of treats, keep your pets away from all Halloween candy! It’s probably common knowledge that dogs shouldn’t have chocolate, but they also shouldn’t have Sweet Tarts, Nerds, or Sour Patch Kids! This goes for all pets! Watch your kids and make sure they don’t share their bounty with their furry siblings!
• Don’t leave your pets alone with Halloween decorations! Pumpkins, scythes, and plastic bones make excellent chew toys and choking hazards. Make sure your pet does not have access to anything that can harm them while you are away!
• Most pets are happiest naked and free! If you are dressing your pet up, try to make them as comfortable as possible. Avoid masks and keep their costumes on for as little amount of time as possible. Never leave your pet in a costume unattended! Even if they are a seasoned pro and wear clothes everyday, it is best to hang up their outfits while they are alone.

You can find these tips and more at the Humane Society!