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PET SAFETY TIPS FOR A HAPPY HALLOWEEN
Halloween traditionally sparks familiar stories of dogs sensing ghostly presences and black cats signaling bad omens or good luck. This Halloween, your animal friends need help with earthly spirits instead of supernatural ones.
Ghosts, goblins, and witches, especially those in the form of costumed children who trick or treat, may excite normally calm pets. This creates a need for special precautions, according to Clark County Animal Control.
Make sure pets are securely tied or confined away from the front door or yard. If pets are tied or chained, be sure the chain cannot reach any walking areas, including areas where children may cut across yards between houses.
Costumes or uniforms sometimes excite or frighten even the friendliest animals so don't count on pets behaving themselves. It is best to prevent any possibility of a bite or escape. Dogs should always wear their current owner identification tag, rabies vaccination tag, or have a micro chip identification device implanted to help identify them if they run away or bite someone. Clark County Animal Control advises children to stay on sidewalks and in well lighted areas to avoid startling pets or walking into unfriendly dogs. If confronted, children should slowly back away from aggressive animals rather than turning to run.
If bitten, immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water. This can significantly reduce the risk of rabies or other infections. Contact a doctor for treatment and then contact Animal Control to report the bite.
Indoor animals may be curious about the commotion outside and may be anxious about the front door frequently opening and closing. Even content house pets occasionally decide to check out "Halloween spirits" first hand. Take care to restrain your pet before opening the door. Since chocolate can be toxic to dogs and cats, candy should never be offered to pets.
If your pet should escape, check all local animal shelters in person. Clark County Animal Control recommends visiting the shelters every three days in order to see all of the animals turned in and to eliminate unnecessary trips. Sometimes animals are held in private homes for a few days before they are turned in to shelters.
For more information on shelters or to report an animal bite, call Clark County Animal Control at 455-7710.
EVERY HALLOWEEN, UNRESTRAINED DOGS ARE INVOLVED IN BITES TO CHILDREN WHILE THEY ARE TRICK OR TREATING. CLARK COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL REMINDS EVERYONE TO KEEP ALL PETS STRICTLY CONFINED TO MAKE THIS A SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY FOR ALL.
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