Halloween Pet Safety Tips from Newtown Veterinary Specialists

While pet owners are busy enjoying Halloween’s sweet treats, they may forget that their four-legged friends might also be interested in trying some sugary goodies. There can be very serious health consequences for dogs and cats that delve into the candy.

Be sure to keep the sweets and trick-or-treat bag well out of your pet’s reach. Borrowed from Newtown Veterinary Specialists’ practice of emergency veterinary medicine, here are three of the most commonly seen poisonings caused by popular Halloween candies:

1. Chocolate: The acute signs of chocolate toxicity are caused by the stimulants caffeine and theobromine. These compounds can cause hypersensitivity, excitation, tremors, excessive panting, drooling, dilated pupils, and a fast or pounding heart rate or seizures. The fat content in chocolate can cause a delayed condition called pancreatitis, which can be very painful and cause vomiting, diarrhea and anorexia.

2. Sugar-free gum (xylitol): Xylitol is a fake sugar found in sugarless gum and many other sugar-free-labeled products and diet foods. Unfortunately, full ingestion of these products is not required for a pet to become ill as toxic levels of this ingredient can be found in the powder and packaging materials of these products. It can be very toxic to dogs by causing a massive insulin release into the bloodstream, lowering the blood sugar to the point of seizure activity. Xylitol has also been known to cause liver failure and death in pets.

3. Raisins: Consumption has been shown to cause irreversible kidney failure in dogs and cats. All cases of grape or raisin ingestion should be considered serious. While vomiting is one of the initial signs, your pet can also experience diarrhea, lethargy and increased thirst.

Treating these cases of toxicity may require hospitalization and intensive care to save your pet’s life. If you suspect that your pet has eaten chocolate, xylitol, raisins or anything abnormal, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 immediately. Seek immediate veterinary medical attention if your pet shows any of the signs or symptoms of poisoning.

More Halloween dangers threaten dogs and cats

Other hidden dangers lurk for dogs and cats on Halloween night if they’re allowed outdoors or slip out unseen. It’s best to leave the family pet at home--don’t take him trick-or-treating with you. Even on a leash, a dog can get away from your control and run out into the dark street. Distractions and unusual sights and sounds may cause some pooches to act unpredictably.

Cats are not exempt. Frightened by the hubbub or perhaps just curious, wily whiskers have been known to sneak out unnoticed as revelers come calling. Dogs and cats kept safely inside and away from the revolving door will be happier and healthier.

Newtown Veterinary Specialists is open 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year for pet emergencies--even on the spooky night of goblins and ghouls. A state-of-the-art, advanced veterinary emergency, critical care and specialty pet hospital, we are located at 52 Church Hill Road in Newtown, CT. Our 24-hour line is 203-270-VETS (8387). Visit us on the web at www.newtownvets.com or like us on Facebook.

--Edited by Joan Eve Quinn, Newtown Veterinary Specialists Communications Specialist, joan.q@newtownvets.com.