Many of Halloween's potential dangers are centered around trick-or-treating. If you plan to take your dog out trick-or-treating with you, keep him on a short leash with a good fitting collar or harness, said Phillip Gill, D.V.M. at Country Ridge Animal Hospital in Farmington Hills. Know your pet's temperament, be in control and be aware that strange people and costumes might frighten the dog, said Gerald Lepar, PhD. D.V.M. at West Bloomfield Veterinary Hospital in Keego Harbor.

If you plan to keep your pet indoors during trick-or-treating hours, there are other precautions to consider.

For starters, it's a good idea to keep a dog or cat in another room of the house. For one, it prevents the chance of your dog or cat escaping out the front door when it's constantly being opened to greet trick-or-treaters. For another, it protects four-legged friends from the stress of constant guests who will be ringing the doorbell and making noise, said John Simon, D.V.M. at Woodside Animal Clinic in Royal Oak. Cats are generally sensitive and will most likely run and hide, he said, but can still experience some stress.

Dogs may handle the situation differently and, confused by the visitors in costume, could become protective of their territory.

"It's best to keep a dog away from the front door, away from contact with trick-or-treaters," said Stan Blackwell, D.V.M. at Maple Veterinary Hospital in Troy.

Those who normally let their pet outside in a fenced yard may want to reconsider around Halloween, said Gill, as curious trick-or-treaters may approach.

Be cautious with Halloween treats as well. A big bowl of candy ready for trick-or-treaters or a pillowcase bounty dumped on the floor by costumed children may be tempting to dogs and cats. Chocolate is a particular danger, says Lepar. If you suspect your pet has eaten chocolate, call your veterinarian, he said.

Based on your responses to the veterinarian's questions, he or she may describe how to handle the situation at home or may advise you to bring the pet in to the veterinarian or emergency animal hospital.

Other treats can be harmful as well. Food items outside a pet's regular diet may cause stomach upset with vomiting and diarrhea, said Blackwell.

This includes sugar from other candy besides chocolate. Raisins that may be handed out to children can also be a danger to pets. Raisins are a problem because they are sweet and made from grapes, which can be toxic to pets, said Blackwell.

The packaging of Halloween treats can also pose stomach problems and choking hazards. Dogs will eat the candy wrapper and all. Any wrapper or foil can be harmful as can the plastic food wrap on treats like popcorn balls, said Lepar.

This includes candy apple sticks that can be chewed by animals, said Simon. Anything with a string or ribbon can cause an intestinal obstruction, he added.

Cats in particular are attracted to string because they view it as a potential toy for them.

As for Halloween decorations, pets need to be supervised around candles.