Halloween can be exciting and fun for humans, but scary and lethal to pets. Don’t forget to take special precautions for your pet during this Halloween season.
Here are a few things to be mindful of:
Decorations can be a fascination for dogs, especially if they are seeing them for the first time. Watch for chewing, and keep Halloween decorations above ground level, if possible.
Anxiety is another issue to watch for in your dog. Your dog may be afraid of the constant doorbell ringing, or of people in costume. It is a smart idea to secure your dog in a safe place in the home, away from the door and from the noise of the doorbell.
Candy is especially dangerous to dogs. Many candy that is sugar free, such as gum, can contain Xylitol which can be lethal to dogs even in very small doses. We have heard chocolate is toxic to dogs, but why? The caffeine and methylxanthines which are in chocolate are toxic. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous. Look for vomiting, diarrhea, urination, hyperactivity, heart arrhythmias, tremors and seizures. In case of ingestion, owners should immediately call a vet or Pet Poison Helpline’s 24-hour Animal Poison Control at 1-800-213-6680. In addition to the candy itself, candy wrappers, pop sticks, etc. can cause choking.
Keep your dog away from these dangers and you and your dog can have an enjoyable Halloween.
For local dog-safe Halloween events, check out the article entitled: Halloween Goes to the dogs
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