As the days grow shorter and the mornings grow crisper, we all look forward to the sweets and treats of the autumn season and Halloween. Kitchens smell of fresh apple pie, candy dishes overflow with candy corn, and the shelves at grocery stores overflow with assorted chocolates and other sweets. Itâs a very festive time but we canât forget the risks that these items pose to our furry friends.
Many items including cookies, cakes, and raisinets contain raisins. Like grapes, raisins are toxic to dogs and can lead to kidney failure and death. For a small dog even a few grapes or raisins can be harmful. If you are snacking on raisins and want to give your pet a snack too, feel free to give them pieces of carrots or green beans. No one should feel left out!
Any candy containing chocolate contains a chemical similar to caffeine called theobromine which is very toxic to dogs and cats. In general, the darker the chocolate in the candy is, the more theobromine there is in the candy. Theobromine can cause agitation, vomiting, diarrhea, high heart rates, muscle tremors, seizures and death. If you donât want your pet to miss out on the chocolate goodness, Carob chips can be used as a safe substitute for chocolate and there are recipes online for carob chip dog cookies.
Many candies donât contain chocolate but they do contain a large amount of sugar. There is no toxin concern for pets eating items with sugar but large amounts of sugar can cause gastric upsets. There are lots of treats available made for pets that are both safe and tasty.
Other possible toxins found in the kitchen include onions, garlic, and grapes. Try to keep items of concern out of reach of pets and sealed in Tupperware or other canisters. Remember, pets can chew through plastic bags! If your pet eats any of these things or anything outside of the normal diet, give our office a call at 603-543-0117 and we can discuss whether we should be worried and if so, what to do next!
With these things in mind, have a safe and Happy Halloween!
