DATE: October 24, 2016
CONTACT: Lisa Mendheim, Public Communications Specialist
Broward County Animal Care and Adoption
PHONE: 954-359-1010
EMAIL: lmendheim@broward.org
BROWARD COUNTY, FL - Halloween may be a fun time for kids and adults alike, but for most pets, October 31st isn't much fun. That's why Broward's Animal Care and Adoption is offering five important tips to make this Halloween a safe time for your four-legged family member:
Keep pets at home - Make sure they're in a safe, quiet room with their bed and favorite toys during trick-or-treat time. Don't take them out to trick-or-treat and/or leave them outside in the yard or patio 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 - Don't 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 pet - dog or cat - is wearing its Broward County pet registration license tag on its collar. This will help ensure that your pet will be returned to you if he/she does get out during Halloween festivities. 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 in a costume, but be wary of pet costumes that use rubber bands to hold it in place. If you mistakenly leave rubber bands on your pet after the costume comes off, the band can quickly burrow into the animal's skin and cause infection. In addition, the pet may swallow the band, which can result in intestinal problems.
"We ask all pet owners to remember that Halloween can be a very scary time for dogs and cats. It's not a time to leave your pet outside or to give them access to trick-or-treating children or candy. Even the most calm and patient pet can become frightened by strange masks and groups of costumed children," says Dr. Tim Johnston, Broward County veterinarian. "The best treat you can give your pet on Halloween is a safe spot in the house, away from all of the excitement and spirit of the holiday."
About Animal Care
Broward County Animal Care and Adoption is dedicated to providing shelter for lost and homeless animals. The agency provides access to hundreds of shelter pets hoping for a new home. Please prevent unwanted animals and have your pet spayed or neutered. For more information about the agency, visit our website, or like us on Facebook.
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