As you get ready for the parade of ghouls and goblins this Halloween, the Sequoia Humane Society urges pet owners to follow a few simple precautions to keep their pets safe:
* No chocolate: Even if your pet has a sweet tooth, ingesting chocolate -- especially baker's and dark chocolate -- can be dangerous for dogs and cats, possibly causing vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity and even seizures.
* No sweets for the sweet: Candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can be poisonous to dogs. Even small amounts can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, which leads to depression, lack of coordination and seizures.
* Dangerous décor: Keep wires and cords from electric lights and other decorations out of reach. If chewed, your pet could experience damage to his mouth from shards of glass or plastic, or receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock.
* Don't play with fire: Keep your pets away from jack-o'-lanterns with lit candles inside -- knocking the pumpkin over can easily cause a fire. And curious kittens can get burned or singed by candle flames.
* Costume caution: Don't put your pet in a costume unless you know that he or she loves it. Costumes can cause skin irritations, obstruct a pet's vision or impede his breathing.
* Scary sights and sounds: If your dog barks at the doorbell, you may want to put tape over it and hang a sign that says “Please knock” for trick-or-treaters. Or better yet, meet them at the door before they announce themselves. And remember, we know that those are costumes, but to Fido it may appear to be a scary intruder. It's a good idea to keep your pets in a separate room so they can't slip out the front door unexpectedly.
* Myths about black cats: There are still some people who believe that black cats are bad luck, especially around Halloween, or that they are somehow associated with witchcraft and magic. Keep your cats safe from those who would wish them ill by keeping them inside.
* IDs, please! 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 can increase the chances that he or she will be returned to you.