Halloween, like all holidays, was never intended for dogs. Halloween is a social activity for children. I know you know this, but is it tempting to included the dog, isn't it.

Dogs and puppies, should be left at home when your children go trick or treating, and kept away from the door when the little ghosties come to your house for candy.

It is not that I am the grim reaper, there are safety concerns involved:

1) Costumes can be frightening to a puppy or a dog. Frightened animals are more likely to bite.

2) Squealing children and flowing costume parts can be very attractive targets for dogs and puppies. The risk for jumping up and/or nipping is great. This behavior can, not only frighten a child but, cause an injury.

3) The potential for a dog or puppy to get into candy and become sick, sometimes gravely sick, is good.

4) Puppies should not be dressed in costumes. There are too many, potentially dangerous, pieces and parts for a puppy to chew and ingest.

5) Dogs and puppies can escape through that door while you are distributing candy to your ghoulish visitors.

It is always best to err on the side of caution.  So set yourself up to have fun. There is enough to worry about on Halloween without worrying about the dogs and the puppies.

Booooo! Trick or Treat!