Broward County Animal Care shares safety tips to protect pets during Halloween festivities
Broward County, Florida – Halloween can be fun for families, but it can also be dangerous for pets in ways they don’t expect. The holiday can be stressful and dangerous for animals because of the costumes, candy, and constant doorbell ringing. Broward County Animal Care is asking pet owners to take some simple steps to keep their animal friends safe and peaceful this Halloween season.
The first line of defense is pet ID. Officials said that every pet should have a Broward County registration tag that is securely connected to its collar. You should also examine the microchips to make sure the contact information is correct. These little things make it much easier to find stray dogs that got away during the busy night.
Experts say you shouldn’t take your pets out to trick-or-treat or leave them outside over the holidays. Animals can get anxious or act in strange ways when there is a lot of noise, costumes, and people they don’t know. It’s better to keep them inside and away from the door so they can’t go out or act aggressively when people come to visit.
Another big danger is candy and other sweets. Dogs and cats shouldn’t eat chocolate, grapes, raisins, or sugar-free treats that have xylitol in them. Even a little bit can make you really sick. Pet owners should keep candy out of reach and call a vet right away if their pet eats something bad.
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Decorations might also be a problem. Halloween decorations like flashing lights, imitation cobwebs, and other things can scare pets or potentially pose a choking hazard. Before decorating, pet owners should make a peaceful “safe space” for their pets with familiar toys and bedding to help them relax in the midst of all the noise.
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Costumes might be cute, but if you don’t pick the right one, they can be uncomfortable or even dangerous. Clothes that limit movement or hide the face might upset pets or make it hard for them to breathe. If your pet seems comfortable, you should only put them in basic, well-fitting costumes. If they start to show indications of distress, take them off right away.
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Pet owners can make sure Halloween stays exciting for everyone by taking a few simple steps. Broward County Animal Care wants to remind people that when it comes to the health of their pets, safety should always come before style or fun.
