By Brian Schiedel

Halloween can be a lot of fun for most family members, but for your furry family members, it can be a frightening event.

Lane County Animal Services (LCAS) is reminding community members to take special precautions as the holiday approaches. Halloween can be very traumatic for pets as activity and noise typically increase in most homes.

LCAS has the following tips to keep your pets safe:

-Secure pets in a quiet room in the house.
-Prevent pets from eating candies. Some candies, especially chocolate, can be fatal to pets.
-Use a muzzle when taking dogs trick-or-treating.
-Use caution with open flames.  Pets may be burned or could knock the flame over, causing a fire.
-Be careful when dressing your pet in a costume. Make sure the costume's elastic or securing device doesn't interfere with breathing or blood flow, that the costume isn't flammable, and that it does not interfere with the animal's vision.
-Remember that pets do not understand holiday festivities, the sounds and sights of which can be a traumatic experience.