Halloween is a magical time for us humans, but it can be a seriously scary and dangerous time for pets. To ensure the safety of your furry friends this season, be sure to follow these dos and don'ts:

Candy Caution
Do:
Keep candy out of reach of animals, and make sure to keep an eye on them near the candy dish. Sugary sweets -- especially chocolate -- can be toxic to pets.

Don't:
Let your cats play with leftover candy wrappers. Packaging may provide endless amusement for cats, but it can lead to stomach problems if ingested.

Careful by the Door
Do:
Keep pets far away from the door during treat-or-treat time if they're sensitive to noises and new people. The frequent doorbell ringing and visitors in costume can agitate some pets.

Don't:
Let your pets run out the door! As a measure of caution, make sure your pet has a collar with tags or a microchip so that it can be returned quickly should it get loose.

Decoration Danger
Do:
Keep your pet away from the jack-o'-lantern, which can start a fire if knocked over.

Don't:
Allow your pet access to decorations with wires and cords. Chewing a wire can damage your pet's mouth, or even deliver an electric shock.

Costume Hazards
Do:
Ensure that your pet's costume doesn't have any small parts that can become choking hazards.

Don't:
Dress your pet in a costume that inhibits its movement, hearing, sight, or breathing. For a surefire way to keep your pet safe, a Halloween bandana makes a simple, festive costume.

Resources
Special thanks to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for providing this safety information.