Dressing up a doggie? Put pooch's safety first

About 7 percent of dog owners say they have purchased a Halloween costume for their pet, up from 4 percent in 2004, according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association.

If you're part of that trend, beware of the hazards of costumes for our furry friends.

Some tips:

• Be sure that straps aren't buckled too tightly, because they might constrict air passages and cause choking.

• Make sure the costume lets the animal move comfortably and does not restrict vision or hearing.

• Don't let your pet chew on the costume; it may contain dangerous dyes and other chemicals.

• Make sure no part of the costume is flammable.

• A reflective costume adds to safety after dark.

If you do dress up your dog on Halloween night, don't have him wear the costume for too long. And always keep dogs on a leash, as there are lots of distractions around.

One final warning: Don't let dogs or other animals get close to a candlelit jack-o-lantern.

It could be dangerous for the animal and become a fire hazard.