As soon as the calendar changed to October, my kids wanted to start celebrating Halloween. Decorations and candy are filling our house and it’s not even mid-October. Halloween can be such a fun time of year for children and adults alike, but sadly it can be dangerous to pets. It’s the busiest time of year for the Pet Poison Hotline since companion animals accidentally ingest Halloween candy or decor. The following five safety tips will help ensure your pet stays safe this Halloween season.
1) Keep chocolate and xylitol candy out of your pet’s reach: One of the biggest hazards to pets during Halloween is candy. Make sure your candy is secured in a container and in an area where your pet cannot reach it.
Chocolate is especially toxic to dogs. Chocolate contains a substance known as theobromine, a bitter, caffeine-related alkaloid, which can have a dangerous effect on your pet. If this chemical builds up in your pet’s system, it can be lethal. The effects of theobromine on a pet depend on their size and the quantity of chocolate eaten.