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Halloween means a fun time...

Halloween means a fun time for children thanks to costumes and candies but the day doesn't hold the same appeal for your dog.

"From scaring dogs to presenting real dangers, Halloween can be fright night for your four-legged friend," explains Paris Permenter, co-publisher of DogTipper.com, a site featuring tips for dog lovers, by dog lovers.

With a few tips, you can keep your dog safe and calm during all the festivities:

1. Watch out for decorations. Keep your dog away from lit candles and jack-o-lanterns. Open flames on candles and jack-o-lanterns present burn risks for your dog. Halloween decorations, from "spider webs" to special lights, also present a hazard in terms of chewing or eating.

2. Beware of chocolate. Chocolate candies are toxic to dogs so make sure your dog doesn't help himself to the candy dish or to any chocolates trick or treaters might have discarded in your yard.

3. Beware of candy wrappers. Discarded candy wrappers, whether plastic or foil, can present a risk to your dog. As you walk your dog the days after Halloween, keep an eye out for discarded wrappers he might decide look tasty.

4. Keep your outdoor dog inside. Even if your dog is normally in your yard, Halloween night is a good time to bring him indoors. Pranksters and tricksters could harm your dog or let him out of the yard. Treat your dog by bringing him indoors.

5. Watch for spooky dogs. Halloween costumes, from masks to hats, can drastically change a person's appearance and silhouette. Be prepared for this change to frighten your dog. Seeing a costumed trick-or-treater might spook an otherwise calm dog, making him bolt for the door.

6. Make sure your dog's ID is current. Because many dogs do bolt from their homes every Halloween, make sure your dog's ID tag is current.

7. Keep an eye on your dog's costume. If you dress your dog in a Halloween costume, make sure there are no items than can be chewed and choked upon. Also, make sure the costume does not restrict your dog's breathing or cause him to overheat.

8. Keep your dog on a short leash. If you take your dog trick or treating with the family, keep him on a short leash, literally. Even dogs that are usually fine off-leash need to be leashed on this night.

9. Think of more than Halloween night. The days surrounding Halloween have a higher than usual amount of trickery. Don't let your dog fall victim to tricksters; keep him secure in the days surrounding Halloween. This goes doubly for black dogs.

10. Consider a quiet bedroom or crate. The best treat you can give your dog on Halloween? Some peace and quiet. The doorbell ringing, shouts of "trick or treat," costumed people and constant door opening will not be fun for him. He is safest and will be happiest in a quiet back bedroom or in the comfort of his crate.

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