Halloween can be scary for your pet. They could get lost (and have a run-in with a vampire) or get injured (from a werewolf).

Seriously, though, we want you looking out for your pet while you're having fun. Here are some simple steps to make Halloween more of a treat than a trick on your pet:

• Make sure your pet is wearing a collar and ID tag. Opening the door for trick-or-treaters gives them plenty of opportunities to run outside unexpectedly.
• Keep candy away from them. You probably know that chocolate is bad for a pet, but the sweetener xylitol, used in candy in gum, can also be toxic.
• If you dress up your pet, make sure he or she can see clearly to avoid injury.
• Be smart decorating.
  • Candles can light fur on fire
  • Low hanging stringed-lights can tangle up your cat or dog.
  • Fake cobwebs are a choking hazard, especially to birds.

Chances are you want to protect your pet on other days of the year too. Check out more ways to help animals [1] all year long.

Resources provided and consulted by The Humane Society of the United States [2].