Halloween is a thrilling time of year for kids and adults alike, but don't forget to keep your pet in mind when you make your plans this evening. Follow these suggestions, and you'll end October scare-free.

1. Pumpkins can be both a treat and a trick. Did you know that pumpkins can be a yummy and nutritious snack for your pet? Both dogs and cats can benefit from pumpkin, and most find it delicious! When you're preparing it, though, watch out for mold! If you find any mold, put your pumpkins in your yard or a nearby wooded area so other wildlife can enjoy them.
2. Keep your fur goblins indoors. While it can be tempting to bring your pet around the neighborhood with your family, we recommend leaving them at home. Halloween can be full of unpredictable and noisy things, which can make even the most chill pet anxious. The last thing you want on Halloween is the real-life scare of searching for a lost pet who got spooked.
3. Your pet has a stalker. Spoil alert - it's you. This is a great time to ensure that your pet has an ID tag and microchip that are up to date. In case they dart for the door, you can take comfort in knowing that it will be easier for them to return home. Also make sure that your pet's microchip is registered. 24PetWatch and Home Again are two great options.
4. Excorcise tricky costumes. If you're planning to dress up your pet, keep a few things in mind. Only dress them up if they enjoy it! - This particularly applies to cats. If your pet likes to play dress up, ensure that their costume doesn't have any choking hazards and make sure that they can see, hear, smell, and breathe properly. It can also be helpful to do a few trial runs for them to get accustomed to the costume.
5. Make them cozy in a not-so-haunted house. Even if your pet likes meeting new people, Halloween is not the best time for them to meet all of your neighbors. Not only will scary masks and strange-looking costumes make them suspicious, the constant opening and closing of the front door might be their opportunity to make a run for it. Animals, especially those who are a flight risk, should be kept in a crate or behind a closed door. 
6. (Don't) pick your poison. Pets are naturally curious, so leaving a bag full of treats on the floor or a chair is tempting for them. However, chocolate, sugar, and candy wrappers will likely result in a trip to the emergency vet. Make sure your kid's candy is secured up high before bedtime! Some decorations can also be tempting to gnaw on, so make sure anything in reach of your pets is safe in case of accidental ingestion, including electrical cords and glow sticks.
7. Use all your spells and potions. Much like New Year's and July Fourth, this is an excellent time to pull out your pet's most helpful coping strategies. Thundershirts, white noise machines, and vet approved medications are all great tools to help your pet relax. May we recommend Dog YouTube and Cat YouTube as great ways to keep your pet focused on something not so scary!

We hope you and all of your family members stay safe this Halloween!

Check out these sources for more information: Chewy, ASPCA, American Veterinary Medical Association, Northshore Animal League