1. NEVER leave Fido alone outside
There are malicious youngsters (and adults) who could do anything from taunting him to killing him as a Satanist sacrifice. Sorry to sound so grim, but this night does bring out the worst in many.
2. Patrol your yard and home
Watch especially for tin foil and cellophane candy wrappers. Dogs love these, but they can get stuck in his digestive tract and cause serious injury.
3. Keep candles out of his reach.
If you have candles in a pumpkin, make certain it is high enough to be out of Fido's reach. It's easy for a swinging canine tail to knock one over.
4. Make sure costumes are safe for him
If you put Fido in a costume (and I do with my dog), make certain --
a) any mask has eye holes big enough so he has peripheral vision;
b) his costume is not constricting his movement including his ability to go the bathroom;
c) he can breathe and bark in it; and d) there are no breakable, chewable pieces.
5. Don't give him chocolate
No matter how much he begs for it, never give Fido chocolate. It's poisonous. If your dog does pick up something he shouldn't, call the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435. Each call is $50.
6. Isolate him if he's nervous
If your dog is nervous, afraid of commotion or shy, keep in him a separate room away from the trick-or-treaters and other visitors. Strangers - especially ones in weird costumes - can frighten any dog.
7. Open your door carefully
If you do have Fido with you, don't give him the opportunity to bolt out the front door when you open it. Hold him, leash him or keep him a crate.
Keep these few tips in mind and you'll both have a safe and sane Halloween.
Louise Louis is a certified canine specialist and creator of the popular website on small dogs, http://www.ToyBreeds.com
