For most people, Halloween is a festive season to celebrate all things autumnal and spooky. However, to dogs, Halloween can be full of ringing doorbells, unfamiliar faces, and startling—even threatening—surroundings. Animals may not understand that costumes and decorations are fake, or why so many people are coming to the door.

Luckily, I spoke with a veterinarian who was willing to share his tried-and-true tips for keeping dogs calm on Halloween night. Dr. Gary Richter, DVM, explains why dogs can become so anxious during spooky season and how pet parents can make Halloween as safe and enjoyable for their dog as possible.

Why Halloween Can Be Stressful for Dogs

Halloween decorations can make dogs nervous long before October 31st rolls around. Although some pups can pass by a haunted house without even a second glance, others may be easily startled by decor, especially if it moves or makes sound.

Dr. Richter explains, “Halloween decorations can combine several things pets may find unsettling—unfamiliar shapes, sudden movement, flashing lights, and unexpected sounds.”

Halloween night can be fun for outgoing dogs who love meeting new people, but some pups lose their cool when the doorbell rings. Others may be frightened by the masks and costumes kids wear when they trick-or-treat, but how can you tell whether a dog is nervous?

“A curious pet will generally approach voluntarily, investigate, and remain fairly relaxed,” Dr. Richter says, “whereas a frightened pet may retreat, hide, freeze, vocalize, pant, tremble, or repeatedly avoid the area.”

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How to Keep Your Dog Calm on Halloween Night

If you notice your dog acting fearful around certain decorations, it’s not the end of the world. It is, however, the end of displaying those decorations in your home. Keeping your spooky vibe isn’t worth risking your dog’s happiness!

Fortunately, not all the decorations have to go. Static decorations and battery-operated candles are much safer bets, especially when displayed out of reach of prying paws. You can also decorate with seasonal pumpkins and gourds, though you must be careful to discard them at the first sign of softness, mold, or discoloration. Even though they’re fresh veggies safe for dogs to eat, Dr. Richter cautions that they can also cause gastrointestinal upset when consumed incorrectly or in excess.

Related: A Squirrel Is Using Halloween Decorations to Build Its Nest and Wildlife Experts Say That Could Be a Problem

These are the kinds of Halloween and autumnal decor that Dr. Richter recommends avoiding or removing from your home

• Those that move, especially suddenly
• Those that make noise
• Those that flash
• Those with open flames or exposed electrical cords
• Those with small or detachable pieces
• Those that may entangle or injure an animal (fake spider webs, sharp objects, etc.)

To help keep a dog calm on Halloween night, bring them to an area of the home where they can’t see or hear the commotion at the door. Some familiar, comforting items and a layer of background sound can make the perfect final touches, though many nervous dogs will want the companionship of their person, too.

How To Keep Your Dog Safe on Halloween

Dr. Richter also reminds pet parents to prevent access to the front door because a frightened dog can run away in a matter of seconds. Halloween is the second-most common day of the year for pets to go missing, which is another great reason not to bring dogs trick-or-treating, or to even give them access to the front door.

Canine safety comes first when it comes to dog Halloween costumes, too. Dr. Richter advises, “A costume should never restrict breathing, vision, hearing, movement, or the pet’s ability to communicate normally, and avoid small or dangling pieces that could be chewed off or swallowed.”

Be sure to supervise pets at all times when they’re in costume, and opt for something simpler, like a festive bandana or colorful collar, for all-day cuteness. Leave the full costumes for the photo-ops!

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, keep prying paws away from the candy bowl. Although sugar isn’t an ideal ingredient for any dog to eat, some ingredients in candy, like chocolate and xylitol, can be downright deadly. If you suspect your dog has raided the candy bowl, try to guess what they ate and call the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661—or a nearby vet—right away.

This might be a lot to take in at once, but knowing these vet-approved tips and tricks could save your dog’s life. At the very least, you’ll be all set for a calm and safe Halloween, and you can focus on the trick-or-treaters instead of controlling the dog. This way, All Hallows’ Eve will be all treats and no tricks!