Cute costumes and candy caches are the cat’s meow for human ghouls on Halloween, but pet owners should be careful when trying to include animals in the fun. 

Americans spent $700 million on pet Halloween costumes last year, and though dressing up the dog can be delightful, costumes should not impair a pet’s hearing, movement, breathing or vision or have loose ends, small parts or anything that goes tightly around a pet’s neck. 

NC State veterinary emergency and critical care specialists advise a trial costume run before Halloween to check pets’ reactions and ensure they aren’t encumbered. Never leave a costumed pet alone.

As for candy, the best rule is to put it away where pets can’t access it. Many Halloween treats contain chocolate, which is hazardous to pets, while others are made with xylitol — usually sugar-free gum and candies — which can be toxic to animals. 

Other Halloween treats, party foods and drinks such as apple seeds, lollipops with sticks, grapes, raisins, walnuts, macadamia nuts and alcohol also can be hazardous to pets. Pumpkins and other gourds are generally safe for pets to eat but can cause upset stomachs and diarrhea. 

If you believe your pet has ingested something harmful, call your veterinarian immediately. 

Other Halloween safety tips:

• Make sure pets do not have access to Halloween decorations with open flames or electrical wires that can be chewed. Make sure there aren’t decorations within your pet’s reach or wagging tails that can be eaten or knocked over, leading to choking or burns.
• Try to walk your dog earlier on Halloween and keep a tight hold of the leash to avoid any potentially scary encounters.
• Keep outdoor cats indoors on Halloween.
• Feed pets before Halloween activities begin.
• Pets may not be used to people in costumes and can be easily startled. This can lead to bites and scratches or their running away from people they perceive as scary. Consider putting your pet in a quiet room away from ringing doorbells, costumed visitors and open doors.
• Make sure pets can be identified. With the front door constantly opened for trick-or-treaters or parties, there’s a risk of pets running out into the neighborhood. Microchips are helpful for identification, as are collars with identifying tags. Even better: a collar with reflective properties that help cars see animals near or on roads.