Keep pets safe during Halloween.

• Position: Veterinary Medicine

Halloween celebrations hold potential hazards for dogs and cats that can be avoided, advises Lorraine Corriveau of the School of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind. "Cats are particularly at risk. Over the years, there have been reports of cats, black cats especially, being injured or tortured around this time of year."

Corriveau says to keep outdoor cats inside on the days surrounding Halloween, especially if they are black or dark colored. If the outdoor cat is difficult or impossible to keep indoors, consider boarding the pet during the holiday.

Other risks to pets at Halloween include:

* Dogs (and some cats) will help themselves to holiday candy if left within reach. Chewy candy and gums potentially can choke them or cause intestinal obstructions. Foil wraps and popsicle or lollipop sticks also can become lodged in pets' throats or digestive tracts.

* Chocolate in particular is toxic to dogs and cats. It fakes only eight ounces of milk chocolate (and just 1.5 ounces of unsweetened chocolate) to cause toxicity in a 10-pound dog. For cats, the toxic doses are even lower. If a pet consumes chocolate, contact your veterinarian or the Animal Poison Control Center.

* Candles in jack-o'-lanterns and other decorative displays may attract pets and cause burns, or...