Broward County is reminding you that your children aren't the only ones you have to worry about this Halloween. For most pets, October 31st isn't much fun.
Here are five important tips from Broward County Animal Care that will help ensure this Halloween is a safe time for your four-legged family member:
- KEEP YOUR PET AT HOME in a safe, quiet room with his/her favorite bed and toys during Halloween festivities. Do not take pets out to trick-or-treat and do not leave them outside while children are going from house to house.
- KEEP PETS AWAY FROM THE DOOR during trick-or-treating hours. Pets can easily slip through the door when it's opened to hand out candy. In addition, dogs may bite children out of fear or nervousness.
- WATCH THE CANDY DISH! Do not feed your pet any candy -- especially chocolate -- and do not leave the candy where a pet will be able to "help themselves."
- ID YOUR PET. Make sure that your dog or cat is wearing their registration tags. This will help ensure that your pet will be returned to you if he/she does get lost. If your pet has a microchip, be sure the chip is registered to your current contact information. Microchip numbers - no matter the make and manufacturer - can be registered for free at www.found.org.
- BEWARE OF COSTUME HAZARDS. Your dog or cat may look very cute, but be wary of pet costumes that use rubber bands. If you mistakenly leave rubber bands on your pet after the costume comes off, the band can cause skin irritation and infection. Furthermore, the pet may swallow the elastic, which can result in intestinal problems.
Halloween is meant to be a safe and fun time for all. Follow these tips to ensure your pet can enjoy their own Howl-o-ween.
For more information about Broward County Animal Care and Adoption, click here.