Robin Johnson, a veterinarian at Riverbrook Animal Hospital, said owners should be a little more cautious and aware of where their pets are and what their behavior is like on Halloween.  "You need to be a little bit careful with dogs if they're not used to kids" to avoid nips and bites, Johnson said.

It's also a good idea for cats to be kept indoors through Halloween weekend.  "We hate to think anyone would do anything to a cat," Johnson said. 

Candy is present in a lot of homes this time of year, and it's important to keep it out of reach of pets, she said, noting that chocolate is toxic to dogs.

"On Halloween, there's increased traffic, doors opening and closing," Johnson said, adding that pets should have an identification tag or microchip so they can be reunited with their owners if they're separated.  A lot of people dress up their pets for Halloween, Johnson said, but owners should make sure that their dog or cat is comfortable in costume.

"I've seen rubber bands cut off circulation or air," she said.People who take their dogs with them while trick-or-treating should make sure the animals are on a leash, Johnson said.  While out trick-or-treating, people should interact only with animals that are familiar to them, she said.  "If a dog is at the door, don't reach out to touch it without the owner's permission," she said.