CRANSTON, R.I. (TNND) -- Dressing up for Halloween is an annual tradition, with some people also picking out the purr-fect costumes for their pets.
Lauren Colantuono said she always has fun choosing an outfit for her cat, Gianni, who is a 17-year-old Maine coon.
Superman has a lot of qualities that Gianni also has -- he's a superhero at 17 years young, but also the best companion," Colantuono, who lives in Rhode Island, said. "He's strong and fast and loves to play with his toys and eat his treats."
Plus, she said her husband, Derek, is a big Superman fan.
"We saw the new Superman movie together this year and loved it," she said.
Colantuono said Gianni has worn costumes for several Halloweens. In the past, he's been Julius Caesar, the pope, a king, a mobster, as well as a unicorn.
People love his costumes and look forward to seeing them each year," she said. "He loves dressing up and doesn't mind it at all as long as treats are involved."
Speaking of treats, experts advised pet owners to take precautions as they celebrate Halloween with their furry friends.
Dr. Erin Ray, a clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (VMBS), and Dr. Lori Teller, a VMBS clinical professor, said there are common ingredients that are harmful for pets, including the following:
It is vital to be careful with any candy and food that could be potentially toxic for your pet to ingest throughout this holiday season," Ray said in a news release.
Teller added that pumpkins are "an excellent treat" for cats and dogs because it is low in calories, making it a healthy alternative to traditional treats.
But avoid canned products that may contain xylitol.
Pumpkins are roughly 90% water, so they can be filling for a pet without increasing their caloric intake, which is beneficial for overweight or obese pets," Teller said, add that there are also other health benefits, as they are high in fiber that can ease digestive issues -- but only if eaten in moderation.
Because the seeds or the fibrous strands are very high in fiber, eating too much can cause stomach upset," Teller said. "When owners let their pet eat pumpkin, they should think of it like they are feeding their pet treats -- treats should make up less than 10% of their total caloric intake."
Ray and Teller said if your pet eats something that could impact their health, call the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661.