Halloween is a fun and festive occasion, but there are parts of any holiday that cause stress and even risk to your dog. Some of the Halloween traditions include parties and door traffic. We often have music or scary noises with candles or spooky decorations. So much is going on that a dog can become frightened or could easily be overlooked or just get into trouble from being nosy. Halloween decorations and candy may pose a hazard to a curious or hungry dog.
Beware: Chocolate
Chocolate is the biggest hazard at this time of year. Chocolate contains two different components that are toxic to dogs: theobromine and caffeine. The caffeine itself can cause tremors, increased heart rate, arrhythmias (abnormal heart beats), and potentially serious cardiovascular side effects, but theobromine is toxic outright. Serious reactions can occur with ingestion of about 100 to 150 milligrams of theobromine per kilogram of body weight. Even doses below this level require medical treatment, since it is not known how severely each individual can be affected. Most owners notice the missing candy, suspect the guilty canine and seek help quickly.
Also: “Sugar-free” Treats
Even sugar free treats can be a danger. Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in many sugar free candies and gum is very toxic to pets. A good rule of thumb is to keep all things that are not specifically labeled for dogs out of reach.
Even Treat-less Bags
Empty candy bags and shopping bags can become a suffocation hazard to dogs if unattended. Dogs can knock over candles creating a fire hazard. Glow sticks are another possible risk. Although they are non-toxic, the liquid tastes very foul and will cause excessive drooling which can be alarming. It is better to keep them out of an inquisitive dog’s reach too.
Keep Your Pup Close
Some dogs fear things that are new and different so family members in disguise could be quite frightening.
Pets can become scared by all the goings on and slip through doorways to become lost in the dark. It is always a good idea to microchip every pet, even indoor only ones and be certain that you register the chip with the international database and keep your info current.
Halloween is a festive time that ushers in the fall. Everyone enjoys the tricks and treats, but the spooks are not as fun for some dogs. Take a moment to consider how this all seems to him and make some accommodations to keep him safe and happy.
