The BC SPCA is cautioning pet owners against dressing up their animals in trendy Halloween costumes this year. 

While Halloween costumes for humans are a tradition seemingly as old as time itself, specialized costumes for dogs especially have recently skyrocketed in popularity. 

However, the BC SPCA maintains that wearing a costume inhibits the animal’s ability to move and communicate through its natural body language such as tail wagging or positioning their ears.

Experts are also reminding pet owners to keep their animals safety in mind as Halloween can be a stressful and dangerous time for animals.

Fireworks, treats and costumed strangers are fun for people, but can be very dangerous for pets.

When dogs and cats are frightened they are more likely to run away from their homes, scratch and bite people or dart into traffic.

Here are some other quick tips to maximize your beloved pet's safety over the next week. 

• Pets who are inside have fewer opportunities to confront trick-or-treaters.
• Some pets do well in a separate room with a television or radio on to mask the scary noises that accompany Halloween
• Disconnecting the doorbell or posting a “knock please” sign on the door will help animals who find doorbell sounds disturbing
• Make sure your pet is wearing identification, if they do happen to run away this will make it easier to have them safely returned
• Candy is for people, chocolate treats are especially toxic for dogs and cats
• While it may seem like a fun idea to dress your pet and take them out trick-or-treating, the strange sights and sounds can cause a normally friendly animal to feel scared or threatened and act aggressively

Following these simple steps can insure Halloween is fun for you and safe your pet.