When October rolls around, you and your family start preparing for the first exciting holiday since summer vacation—Halloween. Of course, if you have dogs or cats, they’ll play a part in the celebration too. But between buying candy and finding your kids the perfect costumes, it’s challenging to remember to keep an eye on your pets. To save yourself a trip to the veterinarian, use these three tips to ensure your companions are safe and sound.

How to Keep Pets Safe on Halloween

1. Be Cautious With Costumes

While costumes are one of the most fun parts of having a pet on Halloween, you should ensure you’re not making your dog or cat uncomfortable in exchange for a few laughs. Start introducing them to different aspects of the costume a few weeks before Halloween, so it’s not entirely unfamiliar. If any parts restrict them from seeing, breathing, or hearing properly, discard them. Check for rub marks around the neck, groin, and armpits to make sure the costume fits properly.

2. Keep Candy Out of Reach

Whether you’re passing out candy to trick-or-treaters or parading around the neighborhood as a family, you should keep these festive sweets far from your furry friend. Chocolate can be dangerous to both dogs and cats, causing symptoms like diarrhea, rapid heart rate, and seizures. Xylitol, a sugar alcohol found in many candies, can lead to liver failure in dogs due to a considerable decline in blood sugar levels. Whether you keep leftovers in a cabinet or inside a locked pantry, you should store these human treats away from your pets.

3. Watch Out for Decorations

One of the most common Halloween decorations, jack-o’-lanterns, are dangerous to your pets. While nibbling on a cooked pumpkin is fine, raw versions that are sitting out may contain mold particles, leading to gastrointestinal and possible neurological problems in your pets. If there is a candle inside, your pet might burn themselves out of curiosity. Even if the jack-o-lantern is plastic and illuminated with a lightbulb, make sure your dog doesn’t chew on it. The cords could result in electrical shock, while gnarled batteries could cause chemical burns.

If your pet starts to act differently around Halloween, take them to the veterinarians at Montgomery Animal Hospital of Cincinnati, OH. This AAHA accredited hospital has been taking care of furry companions for the past 65 years. Whether they need a dental cleaning or urgent surgery, you can rely on this team to restore their health. Call (513) 791-7912 to schedule an appointment, or visit the website to learn more about their services.