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
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