Question: My family loves Halloween but this is our first one with a dog. What sort of things do I need to be aware of to avoid any problems?

Answer: Every year on Halloween, emergency veterinarian clinics do a booming business because of the numerous potential dangers on this one particular night. Ingesting candy is a common reason for an emergency vet visit, but there are other hazards.

Most dog owners already know chocolate can be fatal to dogs. And sugar is even worse for them than it is for us. Besides rotting their teeth, sweets give your dog a certain “rush” because of the spike in blood sugar, and then later, a crash, causing your dog to become lethargic and irritable. Candy wreaks havoc on Fluffy’s digestive tract as well, and disrupts a dog’s metabolism. And since your dog won’t unwrap a piece of candy, that wrapper is a choke hazard.

Xylitol, a common artificial sweetener, is even worse than sugar for your dog because it stimulates a stronger insulin release, resulting in a bigger crash. Xylitol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, tremors and possibly seizures. In short, do your dog a favor and don’t give her any candy. Pumpkin in moderate amounts, is actually good for your dog, but it’s best cooked. Pumpkin seeds are fine too.

If you suspect your dog has ingested something toxic on Halloween, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.

I think some dogs actually enjoy being costumed, but others hate it. If she licks her chops, yawns, turns away, doesn't cooperate, tries to get away from you, growls, puts her teeth on you (or the costume), or otherwise seems distressed, these are all pretty good indicators Fluffy doesn't dig the little outfit you picked out for her. Make friends with the fact she’s a dog who doesn’t like it, and don’t force it on her.

If she’s OK with it, choose a costume that fits comfortably. Ill-fitting doggie costumes can cut off circulation and cause sores. A properly fitting costume won’t constrict her movement or hearing, or impede her ability to breathe or bark. One that’s too loose, can trip your dog or snag on obstacles. Dogs have been known to eat parts of their costume and choke. This is can precede a potential gastrointestinal blockage and trip to the vet.

In Florida, of course, it will be warm on Halloween. If Fluffy accompanies the kids for trick-or-treating, be aware of how she’s faring, temperature wise. Costumed dogs, especially brachycephalic types (short snouts, like boxers, bulldogs and pugs) have been known to have heats trokes while trick-or-treating on warm Halloween nights.

Don’t leave her unattended, either. Keep her leashed, and make sure she has a current ID tag.

Some dogs get stressed out by the constant doorbell ringing on Halloween. Think about her typical reaction to visitors and take extra precautions for Halloween. You might want to keep her at a distance when greeting trick-or-treaters by putting up a baby gate, or confining her to another area of your house altogether. Introduce guests to your dog in a positive manner. If she seems afraid of people in costumes, calmly remove her from the situation.

During parties and loud gatherings, she might do best in another area of your home, unless she is used to these types of events and has done well in the past.

Be advised there are cruel people who have twisted ideas of fun at this time of year, and your dog can be the victim. Cats are more commonly targeted at Halloween than dogs, but any household pet is at risk. Keep them safe in the house.

Originally from Louisiana, Gregg Flowers is a local dog trainer who “teaches dogs and trains people.” Contact him at dogteacher7@aol.com or dogsbestfriendflorida.com.