Do you dress your pets in Halloween costumes? Do they come along when the family is out for tricks and treats? Sweet treats might be okay for kids this time of year, but they are not all okay for your pets.

Chocolate, Sugar, and Xylitol Spell Trouble for Pets!

Many ingredients found in Halloween treats can be detrimental to your pet’s health. Be on the lookout for the following ingredients:

  • Chocolate: Theobromine, found in chocolate, is toxic for pets. Any chocolate could not only make your pet sick, but it can also be a killer!
    • The darker the chocolate, the more theobromine
    • It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, even seizures
    • It might impact the heart, muscles, and blood vessels
  • Sugar: As in humans, sugar creates a host of scary troubles for your pets.
    • Weight gain, leading to obesity
    • Excess weight can cause heart and joint health issues
    • Dental cavities and disease
  • Xylitol: A sugar substitute found in many candies and other foods, can quickly kill your pet! Dogs are especially sensitive to xylitol.
    • Read all labels before giving your pet anything that could contain xylitol
    • It causes a dramatic blood sugar drop that can be fatal
    • Liver failure can happen when pets ingest xylitol
    • Consumption of xylitol equals a health emergency! Call us immediately at (916) 619-4597 if you think your pet has eaten foods containing xylitol.

Healthy Pet Treats Aren’t Just for Halloween!

There are plenty of choices when it comes to selecting healthy snacks for your pets. There’s no need to run out and buy commercial products. You probably have just the right snack in your pantry, refrigerator, or freezer.

Healthy Dog Treats

  • Apples (no caramel on top, please!): Fresh or dehydrated, apples make a good low-calorie occasional snack for dogs. Remember that too much of this good thing can cause stomach upset and diarrhea. Just make sure to take out the seeds before sharing with your pet.
  • Most fruits are okay and provide added vitamins and nutrients. Dangerous fruits include cherries, grapes, raisins, and citrus.
  • Most veggies are great for dogs, but no garlic (in any form!) and no rhubarb. 

Ask us about pet-safe dog treats, and visit our blog for more information.

Healthy Cat Treats

  • Cooked fish and low-sodium meats
  • Fruits are great for kitties, but keep quantities small. A taste of your morning banana will make your cat purr.
  • A little pumpkin, a dab of oatmeal, and a smidgen of rice mixed with a few bits of veggies is what your cat would order for himself.

Halloween Can Spook Your Pets! Tips for Keeping Your Pets Safe at Halloween

There’s more to keeping your pet safe at Halloween than knowing what treats are okay. With all the commotion of kids and adults coming and going, the costumes, and the frightening sounds, your pets can be anxious and scared. Things to remember to keep pets safe at Halloween:

  • Put pets in a secure space. Pets need to be secured so they can’t get outside or into goodies that could make them sick.
  • Put Halloween treats up high and in tightly closed or locked cabinets, so curious creatures cannot find them.
  • Avoid masking your pets. No matter how cute they may look, having their sweet faces covered could scare them and even inhibit breathing!
  • Watch your pets carefully around holiday decorations.

Helping You Keep Your Pets Happy and Healthy

We’re just a phone call away, (916) 619-4597, for first-aid help and emergency assistance. We want all our pet families to be happy and healthy. Schedule a wellness checkup soon.

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Posted in: Pet Health
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