Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, which means a full evening of doorbells, costumes and candy within nose’s reach.

These tips come from the ASPCA’s Halloween safety guide.

Keep the candy out of reach

Dogs can sniff out treats, so keep candy bowls and trick-or-treat bags well out of reach.

Chocolate in any form is dangerous for dogs and cats, and dark and baking chocolate are especially risky.

Sugar-free candy can contain xylitol, a sweetener that can cause serious problems in pets.

Only costume a dog who enjoys it

If your dog likes dressing up, make sure the costume doesn’t restrict movement, sight, breathing or barking.

Remove small, dangling or chewable pieces, which can be choking hazards, and do a test run before the big night.

Watch the jack-o’-lanterns

A wagging tail or curious nose can knock over a lit pumpkin and start a fire. Keep candles where pets can’t reach them, and keep decoration wires out of paws’ way.

Plan for the doorbell

Costumed visitors can startle even calm dogs, and an open door is an easy escape route.

• During peak trick-or-treating, give your dog a quiet room away from the front door.
• If you’re out after dark, use a reflective collar and a secure leash.
• Make sure your dog is wearing ID in case they slip out.

In Missoula, a current dog license tag doubles as ID. Missoula Animal Services says a license is the fastest way to get a lost dog home, and recent licenses include a free PetHub smart tag subscription. Details are on Missoula Public Health’s licensing page.

If your dog gets into something

Call your veterinarian right away, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Have the wrapper or package handy, so you can say what your dog ate and roughly how much.

Make it fun for them, too

A long walk before the trick-or-treaters arrive, a puzzle toy or a long-lasting chew in their quiet room can help your dog settle while the doorbell does its thing.

Graphic: Save Our Doggy

Sources

• ASPCA, “Halloween Safety Tips”: aspca.org
• Missoula Public Health, Animal Services licenses and permits: missoulapublichealth.org