Canines, Costumes & Candy

For pets, Halloween can be more trick than treat. These tips from Broward County’s Animal Care and Adoption Division can help them to have a happier holiday:

• Taking your dogs trick-or-treating can be a scary proposition. If you do, be sure to keep them on a short leash to prevent fighting with other animals or biting strangers. Groups of costumed trick-or-treaters can frighten pets, and they may try to break the leash and escape. 

• Pets, especially dogs, are easily excitable or threatened by strangers. Don’t leave your pets outside in the yard. They’ll be safest inside the home.

• Confine pets in a room separate from your front door when you hand out your treats, which will keep them from getting outside or biting a little ghost or goblin.

• When it comes to pets, keep your candy to yourself — especially chocolate. Candy is toxic for animals and can cause vomiting, restlessness, heart disturbances and even death. And tell other family members, especially children, not to share their candy with the family pet. If you suspect your pet has eaten chocolate or other candy that causes discomfort, consult your veterinarian immediately.

• If you own a black cat, Halloween could indeed bring you bad luck. Take extra precautions by confining it to your house several days before Halloween to reduce the chance of it being abducted. Mythology about black cats and witches can cause people to do strange things to them. Even children who mean no harm may yell at or chase a black cat, scaring it much more than it scares them.

• Fido may look cute in a costume but wearing one could cause him stress. Don’t submit your pets to dress-up unless you’re sure they like it. And be wary of costumes that use rubber bands to hold them in place. They can quickly burrow into the animal’s skin if you neglect to remove them.