Provided by PRNewswire
Halloween is one of the country’s favorite holidays, but it is typically one of the most dangerous holidays for pets.
Chocolate has additives making it undigestable for many pets. Pet hospitals see an approximate 250 percent increase in pets treated for chocolate toxicity in the week following Halloween. In addition to veterinarians seeing pets for toxic food ingestion, like chocolate, they also treat pets for injuries associated with decorations or becoming lost.
Here’s a list of the most common Halloween dangers for pets:
Treats and chocolate. The biggest risk for pets this time of year is candy ingestion. Dogs and cats are great at mopping up candy on the floor, and getting up on counters to get their fix. Chocolate, specifically dark, is highly toxic to pets, but raisins and xylitol, a sugar-substitute found commonly in sugar-free gums and mints, are also dangerous and should be avoided. Even one piece of sugar-free cum can be toxic for a small pet. Make sure all candy and sweets are placed away.
Wires and electrical props. Pets can bite or chew on the wires or ingest the materials. Chewing at the wires can cause burns on the tongue, gums, and even lead to fluid accumulation in the lungs. While electrocution injuries are not common, they can be life-threatening. Young animals in particular tend to be very curious and should be monitored closely if there are electrical devices that are accessible to them. If possible, completely cover or hide wires and outlets from pets.
Candles. Brushing up against an open flame can cause their fur to catch on fire, and even lead to a house fire. Opt for battery-operated candles.
Candy wrappers and bags. Candy and treat wrappers can cause choking or gastrointestinal obstruction. Plastic bags and candy bags can cause pets to suffocate if they get their heads stuck inside. Once their head gets stuck, they panic, and hyperventilate, which will cause the bag to form a seal around the face depleting them of oxygen and can lead to death. Immediately dispose of candy wrappers and bags.
Tick-or-Treaters. Dogs and cats can get spooked by the doorbell and trick-or-treaters, particularly if they are in costume. Minimize stress for your pets by isolating them in a quiet area of the house, with calming music and their favorite toys. During peak trick-or-treating hours, pets can also easily escape through the front door and become lost. Keep a close eye on pets during this time, and think about securing them in a room or crate.
