Written by Caroline Golon

Costumes! Decorations! Lights! Candy! Parties! These are the things that make Halloween a favorite holiday for many people. But the same things that make Halloween fun for humans can make the holiday downright scary for pets. With some planning, you can make sure Halloween is fun for the entire family—pets included.

Here are some ways to help keep your pets safe and calm this Halloween.

Keep Pets Inside

During the week of Halloween, it’s best to keep your pets under a watchful eye. If you can’t supervise them outside, keep pets inside for their own safety and your peace of mind. Even outdoor cats should be secured.

Practice Decoration Safety

Decorations are a fun part of Halloween, but they have some dangers specific to pets. When planning your décor, consider safety for your furry companions. Make sure to secure and cover electrical cords so dogs and cats can’t chew on them. One wrong chomp, and your pet could be seriously injured.

Decorations with dangling cords and strings as well as fake cobwebs and streamers are irresistible to some pets, and curious cats and dogs can get tangled in them easily.

Open flames in decorative candles can cause whisker singeing or burns, and a wagging tail can easily knock over a candle and start a fire. Consider using battery-operated candles in your pumpkins and decorations to put everyone’s mind at ease.

Finally, glow sticks and necklaces are tons of fun for people, but dangerous for pets. If your pet punctures the plastic, the glowing liquid inside can lead to stomach upset.