There is nothing more frightening for pet owners than having to make an emergency trip to the vet, and with Halloween right around the corner, that nightmare can become a reality in a blink of an eye.  During the week of Halloween, calls to the Pet Poison Helpline increase by 12 percent, making it the call center’s busiest time of year. 

Chocolate: 

Out of all the hazards, chocolate poses the most risk to our furry friends. Dogs enjoy the smell of chocolate and will actively seek it out. The darker the chocolate, the more deadly it is. Ranking from least to most harmful; White Chocolate - Milk Chocolate - Dark Chocolate - Bakers Chocolate. Make sure to keep all Halloween candy up and out of your pet's reach, when baking, make sure to keep chocolate, as well as other spices, up and away from the counter's edge. 

Dark chocolate and baker's chocolate both contain high levels of caffeine and theobromine. Theobromine is a chemical we humans can digest quickly whereas dogs cannot. The slower digestion period allows for the chemical to build up and reach toxic levels at a quicker rate. 

Symptoms: 

Common signs of chocolate poisoning that range from mild to severe are:

  • Agitation
  • Panting
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Racing heart rate
  • High blood pressure
  • Abnormal heart rhythm
  • seizures
  • Tremors

Grapes and Raisins:

For reason that bewilders children worldwide, raisins are a very popular Halloween treat that can be deadly for pets.  For reasons unknown to veterinary professionals, grapes can cause kidney failure at almost and dose. Meaning your pet could eat one grape and still experience the same symptoms as a pet who ate 20. If your pet accidentally eats a grape or a raisin, call your vet or local emergency vet right away. Your vet will determine if they need to be seen or if you are required to perform any actions at home. 

Symptoms: 

  • Decreased appetite
  • Lethargy or weakness
  • Vomiting and/or diarrhea within a few hours of ingestion
  • Tenderness in abdomen
  • Dehydration
  • Increased thirst and urine production
  • Decreased or no urine production

Candy Wrappers: 

Candy wrappers can cause a life-threatening intestinal blockage that will require an expensive and invasive exploratory surgery. If possible, don't allow kids to sort their candy on the floor or within your dog's reach. Keep unopened candy up and out of the way and throw out old wrappers in a closed or covered trash can. 

On top of an obstruction, lots of popular Halloween candies contain treats that are not so sweet for pets such as chocolate, raisins, coconuts, and Xylitol, and extremely toxic artificial sweetener. 

Symptoms: 

  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • straining during bowel movements
  • loss of appetite
  • abdominal bloating and pain
  • drooling, burping
  • lethargy

Glow Sticks: 

In 2011, about 82% of the 315 calls to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center regarding the ingestion of glow jewelry, involved curious cats. So keep an extra close on your feline family members around glow sticks. Pet's may be tempted to play with glowsticks due to their bright colors and soft, chewable vinyl and while they may be considered 'non-toxic' glow sticks can cause some serious irritations. Glow sticks glow thanks to an oily liquid called dibutyl phthalate and while the liquid is considered non-toxic, it is very, very bitter. Unlike people, pets can't just spit out the bad taste, so in response to the bitter flavor, they may hyper salivate, cat's may become aggressive, and others may try to run and hide.

While alarming, the episode will pass. Offer your pet some wet food or water to help remove the taste. After your pet has settled, turn off the lights, and make sure no more of the liquid remains on them, if there is some left over, wipe away with a damp cloth. 

Halloween can be just plain ole stressful. 

Many pets find Halloween stressful with the doorbell ringing, their humans constantly answering the door, and strangers in funny costumes. Consider boarding your pet on Halloween to help reduce the stress or keeping them crated in with some blankets to helps drown out the sound. Keep indoor-only cats in a room so they don't try and make the great escape while the door is opening and closing. Consider handing out candy outside instead of requiring kids to ring your doorbell. 

Pets may also not enjoy being dressed up as much as you enjoy it. Try keeping costumes minimal and that they don't impair your pet's vision, breathing, or movement. Avoid costumes with small pieces that may come loose and eaten. If dying your pet's fur, consult with a vet before so. Many products that are non-toxic to humans may be toxic to pets. 

Above all, stay safe this Halloween! If you have any questions, contact us!