Halloween is not a treat for pets

The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control reminds pet owners that Halloween can be a fun holiday but also can be potentially dangerous and frightening for animals. Here are some tips to keep pets safe during Halloween:

•Keep pets indoors in a secure comfortable area with a radio or television playing in the background.

•Always keep current license and ID tags securely affixed to the pet's collar.

•Do not leave pets outside unattended. Loud noises frighten pets, and they may panic, become confused and go to great lengths to escape their enclosures.

•Keep pets away from all candy. Chocolate, which contains theobromine, can be poisonous to pets.

•Dispose of all candy wrappers. Tinfoil and cellophane wrappers are tempting treats for pets and can cause choking or intestinal blocks.

•Keep pumpkins or jacko'lanterns away from pets. Pets can knock them over and get burned.

•Halloween pet costumes can pose safety hazards for pets. Do not dress them up unless they are used to it and enjoy it. Make sure the costume does not restrict their movement, vision, hearing or the ability to breathe or bark.

•Post the numbers of local emergency clinics and the animal control agency on the refrigerator or another location in case of an emergency.

•If a pet does become lost, it is critical to visit the local animal shelters in person. Shelter staff and volunteers will provide suggestions for finding lost pets. Bring a photograph of any missing pets to post at animal shelters.