Scaredy cats and petrified pups need to feel safe on Halloween

Palm Coast Observer
Opinion

I like Halloween. I grew up in a neighborhood where the streets were crowded with children and parents walking from door-to-door. It was a time to see your friends in the costumes they bought or made and be out after dark. It was fun!

Buddy’s adoption story

After retiring, Dave and Pat Block spent a couple years touring in a motorhome. They passed by the San Diego County Animal Shelter every day while they were visiting their children. One day Dave asked, “Should be stop in and see what dogs they have?”

The Blocks hadn’t had a dog for several years but they decided they could “cautiously” visit. Caution was thrown to the wind as soon as Pat spotted the skinny 2-year-old dog listed as a retriever mix. They were one of three families interested in adopting him. They arrived at the shelter at 8 a.m. the day he was available for adoption, and waited until noon. The other two families never came, so Buddy was theirs. That was 10 years ago.

His adventures started immediately as the Blocks started to cross the country. Being a stray they didn’t know anything about him, but they quickly learned that he would return upon the command, “that’s far enough.”

Buddy is a seasoned traveler. He has traveled the entire United States in the motorhome, gone swimming in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, and many rivers in between. He has traveled by boat up and down the ICW and to the Keys. He is now about 12 and is a happy and healthy golden retriever.

Today Halloween is a bit more organized, though there are those neighborhoods who have the old fashioned style, door-to-door, trick or treating.

Take a moment to look at the event from your pet's perspective -- even if you have to get down on the floor. It's scary.

Repeated visitors come to the door dressed in costume, ringing the bell, knocking on the door, and calling out “Trick or Treat.” Next they thrust a bag out to be filled with candy. You can't prepare your pet for this.

While you are filling their bags with goodies the door is open, the dog or cat may want out, the kids, seeing the pets --- want to reach in and touch the animals. This is a recipe for disaster. Your pet may run out into the night, or a finger may be bitten.

Do's and Don'ts:

1. Keep your pet in another room away from the door if you are giving out candy. Do not let them answer the door with you and do not let little hands reach around the door to pet your pet.

2. Keep the candy out of reach and keep an eye on it. A container full of chocolate, and candies that may contain xylitol, can be poisonous to dogs. I couldn't find any studies showing the same dangers for cats but why take the chance?

3. Bring your pet in on this night. I also recommend having your nightly walk while it is still light. Seeing strange figures walking in the night may stress your pup out. Do not let your dog, or cat, out unattended, even in the backyard.

4. Pumpkins are nontoxic but they can cause gastrointestinal issues if your pet eats them. Large pieces especially of the rind, can cause intestinal blockage.

5. Pumpkins with candles should be monitored closely around pets and children and displayed securely so they can't be knocked over. Cats are often fascinated by the flickering candle and you don't want any burnt paws or singed tails. Should they get too close, they run the risk of burning themselves or knocking it over and causing a fire.

6. Don't force your pet to wear a costume. Yes, there are pets who don't seem to mind being dressed up, but if your pet isn't one of them don't force them.

7. If you do dress your pet, have a dress rehearsal the day before to make sure it fits properly and they have full vision, hearing, and ability to breathe.