Even if your pet doesn’t go trick or treating, you probably can’t escape all the potential hazards of Halloween. Help keep your FURkid safe with some simple precautions and be sure everyone has a spooktacular time!

Chocolate in all forms—especially dark or baking chocolate—can be very dangerous for dogs and cats. Candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can also cause problems more serious than a bigger waste line. If you do suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

A carved pumpkin certainly is festive, but do exercise caution if you choose to add a candle. Pets can easily knock a lit pumpkin over and cause a fire. While pumpkins are considered non toxic if ingested it can cause tummy upset.

If you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume isn’t annoying or unsafe. It should not constrict the animal’s movement or hearing, or impede his ability to breathe. Be sure to try on costumes before the big night. If your pet seems distressed, allergic or shows abnormal behavior, consider letting him go au naturale or donning a festive bandana. Take a closer look at your pet’s costume and make sure it does not have small, dangling or easily chewed-off pieces that he could choke on. Also, ill-fitting outfits can get twisted on external objects or your pet, leading to injury.

Costumes and masks can stress some dogs out and scare them so be sure to watch your pet for fear or anxiety with all the trick or treaters! When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, take care that your dog doesn’t get out!

ID ID ID ID ALWAYS be sure your pet has current ID! If for any reason your pet escapes and becomes lost, a collar and tags and/or a microchip can be a lifesaver, increaing the chances that he or she will be returned to you.