Watch those pets this holiday

Chocolate could be toxic for dogs, cats

Halloween may be fun for humans, but for cats and dogs it can be a stressful day.

"Companion animals aren't used to the doorbell-ringing, costumed creatures and the general hustle-and-bustle that come into our homes during Halloween," said Adam Goldfarb, director of the Pets at Risk program for the Humane Society of the United States.

To ensure pets comfort and safety, here are some tips from the HSUS:

• Noises, smells and people may overwhelm pets on Halloween. Create a safe haven in one room of your home where the pet can quietly relax.

• Keep pets indoors, away from trick-or-treaters and other Halloween activities.

• Make sure pets are wearing tags with current identification. Opening the door repeatedly for trick-or-treaters creates plenty of escape opportunities.

• Keep candy out of a pet's reach. Chocolate and other ingredients can be toxic to dogs and cats.

• Keep pets away from decorations. Candle flames can set fire to a pet's fur. Hanging or dangling decorations can be an entanglement or choking hazard.

• Use fake cobwebs sparingly, if at all. Pets can choke on them. Outdoors, fake webs may be a hazard to birds and wildlife.

• When trick-or-treating, leave the dog at home. Dogs can be easily excited by the Halloween commotion and a dog bite or lost dog will quickly end the evening's fun.