I’m a dog trainer – here’s how to keep your pets safe on Halloween

Howl-Oween is here.

A pet expert is warning people about the innocent ways we can put our furry family members in harm’s way on the spookiest night of the year.

From treats to decorations to adorable dog costumes, the things we love most about the party can pose a danger to our four-legged friends.

“Given the opportunity, many dogs will eat just about anything, and Halloween offers plenty of tempting treats: candles, decorations, costumes and endless stacks of candy,” said Annie-Mae Levy of Woofz, a dog training app.

“However, the wrong snack can turn a fun night into a frantic vet visit,” she warned.

Levy starts with the most obvious—chocolate, which can be fatal for dogs.

Even in smaller cases, chocolate can cause breathing problems, convulsions and stomachaches for puppies, according to the expert.

“To keep your dog safe, keep chocolate out of reach, educate your children about the dangers of sharing with pets, and keep a close eye on them while they enjoy trick-or-treating,” she said.

There are also more subtle food bites to keep in mind, such as sugar-free candies, which usually contain the sweetener xylitol.

Calling it “a nightmare ingredient for dog owners,” Levy said that ingesting a small amount can cause your pet’s blood sugar levels to drop rapidly, leading to lethargy, restlessness, seizures and even even death.

“To avoid the worst, check the label, put harmful foods out of reach and remind your family members to be aware.”

As for home decor, decorative corn can also become a choking hazard for the dog.

Even worse, Levy said it “can block the intestines if swallowed.”

Scented candles can also become irritating to dogs’ respiratory systems—not to mention, having an open flame in the house poses a danger when unrestrained pets are on the loose.

The trainer also advises against removing fake spider webs as it is easy for pets to become entangled and potentially eaten.

“Artificial fibers are not easily digested, so intestinal blockages are a real concern,” she said.

“If your furry friend is too fearless for their own good, stick to paper decorations that won’t put them in harm’s way.”

Finally, glow sticks, no matter how safe they may seem, can also be an unwanted trick this year for dogs.

“While generally non-toxic, chewing one can cause nausea, vomiting, and irritation of the mouth and stomach,” Levy added.

“To avoid any accidents, place the temptation out of your pet’s reach.”