Halloween celebrations are becoming more popular each year. It's our second favorite holiday with Christmas being the first and we're including our pets in ever increasing numbers. For most pets being a part of the festivities is enjoyable and they love being a part of the family fun. These safety reminders will help make sure everyone has fun this Halloween.

1. Decorations are a top danger for pets. All decorative lighting cords and bulbs should be carefully concealed and secured away from your cat or dog. Artificial spider webbing is extremely dangerous to your pet when consumed causing intestinal obstruction and eventual death.

2. Glowing jack o lanterns are a must on fright night just be sure that yours doesn't get knocked over by an exuberant tail wagger.  Curious cats will be especially intrigued with looking inside the pumpkin which may get it off balance.

3.  Instant  "glow sticks" are becoming more popular for lighting jack-o-lanterns. While not known to be toxic according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center animals that chew into glow sticks can exhibit signs such as profuse drooling hyperactivity agitation or aggressive behavior. Play it safe and keep them away from your pet.

4. Pet costumes are fun and make for great photo ops. Even dressed as Superman your pet needs to be able to see eat walk freely and be able to answer nature's call. Just like your child's costume be sure Fido's is fire retardant. Be sure that your pet's costume is correctly sized; tight elastic can cause discomfort choking or even strangulation.

5. Keep your black or black and white pets inside during the festivities. Although rare instances are reported each year of animal abuse directed at black cats and dogs.

6. Candy treats are for kids not pets. Chocolate even in small amounts is hazardous for dogs and cats. The high levels of sugar in all candy are not good for your pet. Another danger with candy and pets are the wrappers. Cellophane and tin foil are definitely not in your dog's diet plan.

7. Other seasonal edibles such as pumpkins corn or decorative gourds while not generally harmful to pets can cause upset tummies vomiting or diarrhea. Intestinal blockages can occur if large pieces are ingested. Remember that what your pet thinks is edible is sometimes not good for them.

8. Even normally friendly relaxed dogs can become anxious and aggressive when the doorbell starts ringing and ringing. Protective dogs can't tell the difference between harmless goblins at your door and a potentially dangerous stranger. Make life easier on you and your pet by keeping him in a secluded quiet room for the prime trick or treating hours.

9. Your pet may scoot out the door while you hand out treats. Before the evening gets underway make sure his ID tag is securely fastened to his collar.

10. Multi tasking may be your secret to success but it's not a good idea on Halloween. Don't combine your nightly dog stroll with escorting your kids on their rounds. The stress from overstimulation of new sights and smells on his routine route will make him nervous and agitated. And that's not fun for anyone.