Halloween can be stressful and even dangerous for pets, but a few precautions can keep them safe over the weekend.

• Open doors and strangers in costumes can spook pets into bolting, so make sure they're microchipped and wearing ID tags.
• Candy is a hazard beyond chocolate — sugar-free treats with xylitol are especially toxic, and pets can also choke on wrappers.
• If pets get into any candy, contact a vet or poison control right away.
• Costumes should stay comfortable and not block a pet's sight or movement; remove small chewable parts, and swap to a bandana if the pet seems distressed.

Outlook: Vet clinics expect a seasonal spike in emergency visits tied to these Halloween hazards, so basic prep now can help pets avoid a trip to the ER.