Halloween is a fun time for the whole family, but if pet owners aren’t careful, the holiday can include a spooky visit from the vet.
Halloween is a fun time for the whole family, but if pet owners aren’t careful, the holiday can include a spooky visit from the vet.
Dr. Nastasia Germain of Veterinary Emergency Group in Alexandria, Virginia, said she sees a spike in visitors around the holidays as a result of dogs eating candy.
“Many of these candies, we want to be careful, can be very dangerous and toxic to pets,” Germain says.
Many people focus on Halloween night, but the increase in visitors is usually in the days before and the day after the holiday, when security is relaxed and pets are picking up candy purchased for trick-or-treaters and candy for children. It’s time to sniff around, she said. A bag of candy for trick-or-treat night.
“Mom and dad think they’ve hidden the chocolate, but the dog is like, ‘I know exactly where they’re going,'” she says.
Chocolate is one of the leading causes of illness in dogs. Germain said the compounds theobromine and caffeine are found in candy at varying levels, and the higher the amount a dog ingests, the more toxic it can be.
“While small amounts can cause vomiting or diarrhea, depending on whether it’s dark chocolate or bacon chocolate, these chocolates contain the highest concentrations of chocolate and can cause seizures and irregular heartbeats. , which can be fatal if untreated,” Germain said.
In the worst-case scenario, he said, dogs eating chocolate could develop kidney dysfunction and even kidney failure.
Another risk to pets is candy that contains artificial sweeteners, such as xylitol, which is found in gum and other candies.
“Sometimes called ‘birch sugar,’ it is difficult to handle and can cause dangerously low blood sugar levels and severe liver damage,” Germain says.
Ahead of the holiday, Germaine said all candy should be stored away from pets and parents should talk with their children about the importance of not sharing candy with their four-legged friends. said.
“Puppies have really hard eyes,” Germaine says.
Toys, decorations, and costume accessories lying around the house also contribute to the increase in pets needing emergency treatment. Also keep candles and power cables out of reach of pets.
So if you’re feeling especially anxious when the evening comes and a little ghoul or goblin comes knocking at your door, consider putting your dog in a “safe zone” or a room that’s comfortable for them.
“Be careful, it’s a lot of stimulation. It’s great for us, but not everyone likes the extra sounds,” Germain said.
Germaine said if you dress up your dog, make sure the costume isn’t too tight and doesn’t get too hot inside the costume.
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