Celebrating Halloween is fun for children and adults alike, but the night of ghosts and goblins can be dangerous for family pets, warns the BC SPCA.
"Loud noises from fireworks, the constant ring of the doorbell by trick-or-treaters and the presence of costumed strangers in the neighbourhood can all cause animals to panic, putting both pets and people in danger," says Lorie Chortyk, general manager of community relations for the BC SPCA.
When dogs and cats are frightened, says Chortyk, they are more likely to run away from their homes or dart into traffic. They can also behave out of character and may even be more likely to scratch or bite; children should not approach strange animals while trick-or-treating.
Chortyk says farm animals spooked by the blast of fireworks in rural areas have also been known to injure themselves running into barbed-wire fences or other obstructions.
"We really can't stress enough the importance of safeguarding pets and other animals from the risks associated with Halloween," says Chortyk. "We recommend keeping pets inside, preferably in a quiet room where they won't become agitated by all the activity at the door. People should also make sure their pets have proper and current identification so that if the worst happens and an animal escapes, there is a greater chance they will be reunited with their furry family member."
Halloween is traditionally a busy time for BC SPCA shelters grappling with not only the onslaught of stray and sometimes injured animals but also with the enquiries from heartbroken pet guardians whose animals are missing. "We do our absolute best to reunite families with their beloved pets."
Finally, it is important to keep candy, especially, chocolate, away from pets. Chocolate is particularly bad for animals because it contains theobromine, which is toxic to cats and dogs. As little as 50 grams of chocolate can kill a small dog.