Halloween can be a stressful time for our pets

Through the years, we've collected lots of photos of our dogs dressed in Halloween costumes.

Bourbon, our Doberman-shepherd mix, looking nonplused in his Halloween scarf. Arlie, our mixed breed, in his bow tie, looking dignified and dapper. Shelby, our Shetland sheepdog, in her witch's hat headband and cape as a good witch, patient as always. Cocoa, our rescue GSD, in her velvet collar and sunglasses. And Nutmeg, our cat, dressed as the devil — enough said.

Many of the costumes were shaken or pawed off seconds after the photos were taken. But they remain our memories of Halloweens past and the special animals who have shared our lives.

While a photo op is one thing, the HSUS and the ASPCA note Halloween can be a really frightening time for our companion animals.

“Dogs and cats rely on daily routine. When their routine is disrupted by lots of noise and commotion, like trick-or-treaters ringing the doorbell or lots of strangers in unusual clothes in their house, pets can become frightened or agitated. It's best to keep pets at a safe distance from the festivities,” said Nancy Peterson, HSUS companion animal issues specialist.

Our pets' environment is especially important during the days surrounding Halloween activities. Both organizations recommend keeping our pets indoors. Unsupervised outdoor animals are susceptible to stress, inhumane practical jokes or theft.

Providing a familiar, stress-free environment reduces the probability of our pets injuring themselves or others. Keeping our animals indoors ensure they won't become frightened or feel threatened at the sight of noisy, costumed children.

While trick-or-treating may be fun, our companion animals should be kept away from the door and out of hearing range of a constantly ringing door bell and excited children.

With frequently opened doors providing a means of escape, our animals are safest in an enclosed area with a toy and soothing music. With outside doors opening and closing for trick-or-treating and guests' arrivals and departures, all pets should be wearing current ID tags in case of escape.

“The noises, smells and people can be overwhelming for many pets on Halloween, so create a safe haven in one room of your home where he can quietly relax,” said Adam Goldfarb, director of the Pets at Risk program for the HSUS.

With candy being more plentiful during Halloween, it needs to be kept out of our animal's reach. Children should be taught not to share Halloween treats with their pets. Candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can cause problems. Candy, especially chocolate, is toxic to animals and can cause vomiting, restlessness, heart disturbances and even death.

Grapes and raisins, while healthy snacks for humans, can be potentially deadly for dogs. Candy wrappers can also cause health problems, with wrappers causing obstruction or irritation to our pet's digestive system.

We also need to keep our companion animals safe from Halloween decorations. Crepe paper streamers, fake cobwebs, glow sticks, cardboard wall hangings and plastic spiders can be easily chewed and swallowed, damaging our pet's digestive systems.

Animals can also tip over tabletop candles or the candles in pumpkins, quickly setting fire to their fur.

Glow sticks can also present a Halloween mishap. It's a good idea not to leave them lying around. The ASPCA notes although most are labeled nontoxic, they do have an extremely bitter taste. Frequently, pets who bite into them will drool and race around the house.

If you're concerned, like I would be, contact your veterinarian.

Some of our companion animals like to dress up, but others don't. If your companion animal doesn't mind dressing up, make sure the costume fits well and isn't going to slip and tangle him. Make sure the costume doesn't restrict his normal movements, breathing, vision or barking.

Costumes that interfere with these things can cause ligament or joint injuries. Animals are more likely to bite if their vision is impaired. Never leave a costumed pet unattended.

The ASPCA recommends keeping your pet identified and visible. If you do take your dog out after dark, make sure he is wearing a reflective collar and is securely leashed. Also, make sure your pet has proper identification on his collar.

Dogs may become more difficult to handle (especially by children) during the noise and confusion, possibly getting lost or biting a stranger they may encounter. With lots of extra people in strange costumes out on the streets, dogs can also get spooked and bolt. Animals are better off left at home during trick-or-treating.

Have important contact information easily accessible in case there's an emergency and your pet becomes sick, injured or lost during the holiday season.

The information should include phone numbers for your veterinarian, emergency veterinarian clinic and local animal shelter. It should also include the phone number of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, which is (888) 426-4435.

Halloween can be fun for everyone. Knowing our pets are safe and happy adds to the enjoyment of the day.

• The Buddy Foundation, 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights, is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization. Call (847) 290-5806 or visit www.thebuddyfoundation.org.