With all of the kids, costumes, parties and candy, Fido's safety might be overlooked on Halloween.  Here are some great tips from Shelley Frost, who wrote Your Adopted Dog: Everything You Need to Know about Rescuing and Caring for a Best Friend in Need (The Lyons Press, 2007) with coauthor Katerina Makris to keep your family pets safe while you enjoy all the festivities of Halloween:

1. Keep candy, especially chocolate, out of your dog's reach. Chocolate is deadly to (most) dogs. If you believe your dog has ingested chocolate, immediately seek veterinary help.

2. Foil wrappers and candy wrappers caught inside a dog's digestive tract can be deadly. Once again, keep those candy stashes far out of reach of paws and snouts.

3. If you choose to light candles or jack-o-lanterns, keep them above the arc of wagging tails. Some tail-waggers provide a strong punch, causing everything within their wagging space to go flying - including lit candles.

4. Dressing your dog in a costume is only recommended if this does not cause your dog undue stress (or humiliation). Make sure neckties don't restrict breathing and coat tails don't trip hind legs. Do not ever place masks on your dog's face - who would want to cover up such cuteness anyway?

5. Although your dog may be the ultimate door bell responder, on Halloween night, make sure he or she is kept in a quiet room, away from costumed children and the hub-bub of the front door.

Click here to read her whole article.  And have a safe Halloween.