The American Humane Association urges people who dress their pets in costume to make sure they do it safely.
Make sure the pet can move freely and don't tie anything around an animal's neck that could be a strangling hazard. Also, make sure there are no parts on the costume the pet could chew off and choke on, the association says.
If a pet struggles as you try to dress it or it seems uncomfortable with a costume, then your animal probably is better off not wearing a costume, according to the association. Instead, let your pet wear a fancy collar.
The association also offers these tips so your pet can have a safe Halloween:
* Keep your pet indoors on Halloween and away from trick-or-treaters that may startle or frighten the animal.
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* Be careful not to let your pet escape when you open the door for trick-or-treaters.
* The myths surrounding black cats as being related to witches can make them a target on Halloween. Keep them safe inside on that night.
* Keep candy -- especially chocolate -- away from pets because it could make them very sick or kill them. Instead, let your pet have some of its favorite treats.
* Keep jack-o'-lanterns that have a burning candle in them out of your pet's reach.
* Keep decorations, such as fake spider webs and cords from Halloween lights, out of reach so your pet can't chew on them and choke or get a deadly shock.
