BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – Costumes and candy add to the fun of Halloween, but they can put your pets at risk if you’re not careful.
Some popular treats can be toxic to pets. Certain pet costumes and accessories can also cause problems if used or ingested improperly.
LSU Veterinary School has released some reminders and tips on how to keep your pets safe this Halloween season.
toxic snack
Chocolate is toxic to dogs. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is. Signs of chocolate poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, agitation, increased thirst, increased heart rate, and in severe cases, seizures. Raisins are toxic to dogs. Ingestion of even small amounts can cause kidney failure. Signs of raisin or grape poisoning include vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, lethargy, abdominal pain, excessive or decreased thirst and urination, bad breath, and rapid onset kidney failure. Any candy is harmful and can cause pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas. It can be extremely painful and even fatal. It may take several days for symptoms to appear. Signs of pancreatitis include loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, abdominal pain, and potentially kidney or organ damage.
Safety tips
Keep candy wrappers, decorations, and small toys out of your pet’s reach. Eating these can cause intestinal blockage, which may require surgery. Watch for vomiting, decreased appetite, failure to defecate or struggle to defecate, and lethargy. Make sure your pet’s Halloween costume does not interfere with their vision, hearing, movement, or air intake. Be careful as small pieces may break and be swallowed. Consult your veterinarian before dyeing your pet’s fur, as some products may be safe for humans but harmful to pets. If your pet welcomes frequent visitors, consider greeting trick-or-treaters outside or leaving a bowl of candy on the porch. Alternatively, place your anxious pet in a quiet, comfortable room.
ask for help
If your pet becomes ill or you think it has ingested something harmful, contact your veterinarian immediately. If it is outside business hours, please seek emergency help.
LSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital: Call 225-578-9600 or visit the website. This veterinary hospital is located on Skip Bartman Drive in Baton Rouge and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Pet Poison Helpline: Call our 24/7 helpline at 855-764-7661 or visit our website. There is a fee of $85 per incident, which includes follow-up consultation during the poison incident. ASPCA Poison Control: Call our 24/7 helpline at 888-426-4435 or visit our website. A consultation fee may be charged to your credit card.
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