If you dress your pet up in a costume, supervise him at all times. Make sure it fits properly and is not in the way of his breathing, eyesight or hearing. If your pet swallows any elastic or decorative items, it could cause intestinal obstructions or choking.

Chocolate and sweets can be dangerous for your dog. A dog's digestive system is not adapted for sweets. Chocolate contains Theobromine, which can be harmful and sometimes fatal to your dog. Baking chocolate is especially high in this chemical. If you suspect your pet has ingested a potentially dangerous substance, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Walk your dog early on Halloween, while it is still light outside. Your dog may find candy, wrappers and broken eggs on lawns and streets. Make sure that these "tempting treats" stay out of reach.

Children in costumes can be frightening. Make sure pets are in a safe and secure room when you answer the door to prevent them from running out and getting lost, getting hurt and frightening your visitors. Always make sure your dog or cat has proper identification. If for any reason your pet escapes and become lost, a collar and tags and/or a microchip increase the chances that he or she will be returned to you.

Keep your pet indoors. Cruel people may tease, target or harm your pet.

If you are having a Halloween party, consider confining your pet securely in one area of the house. Leave a radio or TV and lights on and make sure your pet has food and fresh water.

Candles and Jack-o'-lanterns within a pet's range are a fire hazard. A wagging tail can easily knock a lit pumpkin over and cause a fire. Curious kittens especially run the risk of getting burned or singed by candle flames.

Keep wires and cords from electric lights and other decorations out of reach of your pets. If chewed, your pet could experience damage to his mouth from shards of glass or plastic, or receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock.

These Halloween safety tips courtesy of the American Kennel Club, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and the Houston SPCA.