It’s that time again! A time for make-believe witches, goblins and ghosts, and things that go bump in the night. A time for children in costumes to ring doorbells, bang door knockers and call out those famous three words, “Trick or treat!” But it’s also time for conscientious pet parents everywhere to be especially cautious. What may be fun and frolics for youngsters can be frightening, even fatal, for dogs.

To ensure that your canine companions are safe this witchy season, we offer the following suggestions:

Keep all Halloween candy out of reach of your dog – whether you’re handing it out at the door or your children are returning home with their own Halloween “haul.” Chocolate is toxic and artificial sweeteners, like xylitol, are dangerous for dogs. Lollipop and candy-apple sticks can get stuck in their throat or worse, perforate their stomach or bowels. Your dog can choke on a candy wrapper, and if it’s swallowed, it can cause an obstruction in or irritation to your dog’s digestive system.

Keep your dog in the farthest room from the busy and noisy front door, with a full water bowl, some favourite toys and a familiar pillow or blanket. Leave the TV or radio turned on as a diversion. This will help an easily startled or fearful dog feel more secure, and prevent an overly friendly one from racing to the door each time you open it.

If you decorate your home with Halloween lights, make certain that all of the wires are tucked securely out of sight, so that your dog doesn’t trip over them or chew on them. If you set out decorations on tables or any other low surfaces, make certain that none of them have sharp points which can stab a paw or loose parts which can be easily swallowed.

Don’t place a carved and candled “jack o’ lantern” where your dog can reach it. Naturally curious and scent sensitive, dogs can quickly singe their fur, burn their paws, or worse, knock the pumpkin over and start a fire.

Don’t leave your dog outside on the balcony, porch or backyard for even the briefest time. Pranksters have been known to tease, injure, steal and, yes, even kill an unattended pet, considering it all in good Halloween fun.

Ensure that your dog is collared and tagged with your most recent contact information (microchipping is the best security measure) in case your dog manages to sneak out of your home unnoticed.

If you’ve been invited to a Halloween party, leave you dog at home. If you’ve chosen to go trick-or-treating — either on your own or to chaperone your children — leave your dog at home. The safest place for your dog to be on Halloween is safe at home.

If, however, you want your dog to be part of the family’s Halloween festivities, we suggest you take the following precautions:

If you go trick-or-treating door to door, use a short leash to keep your dog close to you and under control should you encounter other dogs, groups of masked and costumed revelers, or unfamiliar strangers on the prowl.

If you’re out after dark, use a flashing safety collar or a reflective leash so that passing motorists can see your dog without difficulty.

Don’t put a costume on your dog unless it’s clearly a pleasurable experience for both of you. If, however, it causes your dog any undue stress or contributes to acting-out behaviours such as whimpering, growling, air snapping, even biting, remove the costume immediately. A momentary touch of Halloween magic is not worth the longterm repercussions.

Making Halloween a dog-safe, dog-happy holiday can be as easy as those three familiar words, “Trick or treat!” Once you know these four new words, “Be wary, be wise.”