Costumes are flying off the shelves and people are stocking up on candy, which can only mean one thing: Halloween is here! But it’s not just humans who will be part of the spookiest holiday. Some four-legged friends are bound to join in, too. While it’s fun to have the company of a pet during the Halloween season, any veterinarian will tell you there are measures pet owners should take to keep their animals safe. After all, the last way any Cincinnati resident wants to end a fun Halloween evening is with a trip to the emergency vet, even if they have the experts from Montgomery Animal Hospital on their side.

But this doesn’t mean you need to skimp on the Halloween fun! Here are five easy tips to keep your pet safe and healthy:

• Don’t Give Pets Candy: No matter how tempting it may be to let Fido nibble on a piece of Halloween candy, such treats aren’t for furry friends. The chocolate and xylitol (a sugar substitute) found in many candies can be harmful.
• Put High-Strung Pets Away: If your pet gets anxious around people or has a history of biting, keep them away from trick-or-treaters. Separating your pet from the frightening action of the front door will keep everyone calm and happy.
• Let Them Get Used To Their Costume: Dressing your pet in a spooky (and adorable) costume is tons of fun, but be sure they have time to acclimate to the outfit before the big night. It shouldn’t interfere with any faculties or have parts that are easily bitten off, and the pet should be supervised at all times when wearing the costume.
• Keep Them Away From Jack-O’-Lanterns: For the safety of everyone, pets should be kept away from the flames of lit candles and illuminated jack-o’-lanterns.
• Make Sure They’re Properly Chipped: If your pet is going to help greet trick-or-treaters, be sure they have all the necessary means of identification from your veterinarian—microchip, collar, and ID tag—in case of an escape.

Keeping these five safety tips in mind will help you avoid a trip to the veterinarian this Halloween. And while your pet may be a treat, they can definitely be tricky and get into trouble when you least expect it. In these situations, the professionals at Montgomery Animal Hospital are ready to help. For more information on their wide range of services, including exotic pet care, pet medication, dental services, and more, call (513) 791-7912 or visit the website today.