Halloween is a fun time of the year. It is natural to want to include your dog in all of the fall festivities.

Here are three helpful tips to ensure your best friend has a safe and happy Halloween!

Pet-Friendly Treats Let your pup join in the fun with healthy treats!  Local dog bakeries and pet supply stores offer a wide variety of Halloween options made just for dogs.  For a fun afternoon project, you can bake your own!  Here are two of our favorite fall dog treat recipes:

Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Dog Treats

Gluten Free Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Dog Treats

Note: Always keep human Halloween candy out of your dog’s reach.  Many of the ingredients in candy, such as chocolate and raisins, are toxic to dogs and should not be given to them in any form.  Dog obedience training, such as the “Leave It” command can be very helpful for keeping them from eating candy that falls on the floor.  If your dog does accidentally ingest Halloween candy, contact your vet or poison control center right away.

Comfortable Costumes Choose a simple costume that is designed specifically for dogs. Make sure the costume does not restrict their movement or have small pieces that can be chewed off and swallowed. The costume should only be worn for short periods of time under your supervision, so you can be sure they are comfortable and safe.  Also, you should always keep your dog on a leash when you take them to outdoor events.