If swallowed, string, ribbon, rope, turkey bindings, nylon stockings, and other long, flimsy but sturdy materials could tangle up a dog's or cat's digestive tract. In such cases, surgery is often required. If your dog or cat has ingested string, call your veterinarian immediately. Never attempt to remove swallowed items on your own.
Courtesy of Dog Age

By measuring stress hormones and documenting behavior exhibited in response to thunderstorms, researchers found that a frightened pet is comforted more by the presence of another animal than by his owner. There is a tradeoff, however, so consider carefully. Another animal does tap your time and resources, and finding a good fit with your current pet takes consideration.
Courtesy of Dog Age

Despite the chaos, most dog owners know the basics when it comes to dog bites: Confine your dog as soon as possible, provide medical attention (call 911 if the bite is serious), pass along your contact info, and notify the Animal Control Officer and law enforcement. In addition:

1. Show compassion. And remember, even a slight scratch or abrasion is considered a dog bite.
2. Avoid arguing, no matter who is at fault.
3. Offer to pay any medical bills.
4. Get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses. You may need statements from bystanders if you file a claim with your insurance company or you are involved in a lawsuit.
5. Let the victim know your dog's vaccinations are current, and offer to send a copy of the records.

1. No tricks, no treats: That bowlful of candy is for trick-or-treaters, not for Scruffy and Fluffy. Chocolate in all forms can be very dangerous for dogs and cats, and tin foil and cellophane candy wrappers can be hazardous if swallowed. If you suspect your pet has ingested a potentially dangerous substance, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

2. Popular Halloween plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn are considered to be relatively nontoxic, yet they can produce gastrointestinal upset should pets ingest them. Intestinal blockage could even occur if large pieces are ingested.

3. Keep wires and cords from electric lights and other decorations out of reach of your pets. If chewed, your pet could experience damage to his mouth from shards of glass or plastic, or receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock.

4. A carved pumpkin certainly is festive, but do exercise extreme caution if you choose to add a candle. Pets can easily knock a lit pumpkin over and cause a fire. Curious kittens especially run the risk of getting burned or singed by candle flames.

5. Dress-up can be a big mess-up for some pets. Please don't put your dog or cat in a costume UNLESS you know he or she loves it (yup, a few pets are real hams!). For pets who prefer their “birthday suits,” however, wearing a costume can cause undue stress.

6. If you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume isn't annoying or unsafe. It should not constrict the animal's movement or hearing, or impede his ability to breathe or bark. Keep a look out for small, dangling, or easily chewed-off pieces on the costume that your pet could choke on.

7. Take a closer look at your pet’s costume and make sure it does not obstruct her vision in any way. Even the sweetest animals can get snappy when they can't see.

8. All but the most social dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room during peak trick-or-treat visiting hours. Too many strangers can be scary and stressful for pets.

9. When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, take care that your cat or dog doesn't dart outside.

10. IDs, please! Always make sure your dog or cat has proper identification. If for any reason your pet escapes and become lost, a collar and tags and/or a microchip increase the chances that he or she will be returned to you.

Courtesy of ASPCA

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