Halloween is fast approaching and associated with it are many hazards for your pets. Here is an informational handout I had created discussing some of those potential hazards for your pets.
Halloween Hazards for Your Pets
Peter S. Sakas DVM, MS
Halloween is a holiday that is
great fun and through the years more and more people have really got involved
with extensive decorations in and around the house. In addition, there is the
candy and trick or treating. Candy is around the house in bowls ready for the trick
or treaters as well as the candy collected by your own kids as they canvas the
neighborhood with their own trick or treating. If you have Halloween parties
for kids or adults there will be food and drink around as well. With all this
food, decorations and activities it can be a time of great danger for your pet.
They will be attracted by the tempting smells and may eat what they should not.
They may be intrigued by the shimmering, attractive decorations and begin to
chew on objects that could cause severe medical problems. During the holiday
you must take steps to be certain that your pets will be safe from potential
harm.
Chocolate
Almost everyone knows that chocolate
is toxic for pets. Theobromine, a chemical found in chocolate is the cause of
the poisoning, which can be deadly in dogs (especially) and other pets. They
actually have an allergic reaction to the theobromine which can be quite
severe. Some dogs may not have as severe of a response but it is not worth
taking a chance with your pets. Chocolate should be avoided, so do not think a
little bit is not going to hurt! If your pet is sensitive to the theobromine it
does not take much to cause a toxic reaction.
Depending on the amount
ingested, chocolate (bakers, semi sweet, milk and dark) can be potentially
poisonous to many animals. Theobromine levels are especially high in dark
chocolates. In general, the less sweet the chocolate, the more toxic it could
be. In fact, unsweetened baking chocolate contains almost seven times more
theobromine than milk chocolate. Vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, hyperactivity
and increased thirst, urination and heart rate can be seen with the ingestion
of as little as 1/4 ounce of baking chocolate by a 10-pound dog. Halloween
treats with chocolate are not appropriate for pets.
Artificial Sweeteners
Other chemicals found in
certain candies can also be toxic to your pets. Xylitol, a sweetener found in
some candies and gum can be toxic to pets if taken in large amounts. Ingestion
of significant quantities can produce a fairly sudden drop in blood sugar,
resulting in depression, incoordination and seizures. Foods containing Xylitol
should be kept well out of reach of your pets. Do not take any chances with you
pets. As stated before, do not think that a little bit is not going to hurt.
You should have plenty of treats around the house that are appropriate for your
pets and use them instead of candies.
Avoid the temptation to feed your pets leftovers from your holiday meals. Your pet should be kept on its normal diet. Any change of diet, even for one meal, may give your dog or cat severe indigestion and diarrhea. This is particularly true for older animals that have more delicate digestive systems and nutritional requirements. Many of these foods are rich; especially those that are high in fat, and can often cause severe gastrointestinal disturbances in pets which could prove fatal. Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) is a very common disease of dogs and is frequently caused by the eating of table scraps. The pancreas plays a role in digestion of food but when an animal eats a rich or fatty meal, the pancreas is 'overstimulated' and the organ oversecretes enzymes leading to inflammation of the pancreas and surrounding tissues. Signs of pancreatitis include vomiting and abdominal pain, sometimes quite severe. The condition is very uncomfortable for the pet and sometimes can be fatal. If you notice these type of symptoms seek veterinary care.
Although some people may think
it is humorous, never offer or allow your pets to access alcoholic beverages.
Due to Halloween parties there may be alcoholic drinks carelessly left in areas
where pets may be able to reach them. Place these unattended drinks in a safe
location where pets cannot reach them. If enough alcohol is ingested, the
animal could become very ill and weak. In severe cases they may go into a coma,
possibly resulting in death due to respiratory failure.
Halloween Decorations
Animals are attracted to unusual
or shiny objects which may be found around the house during Halloween used for
decorations or wrapping. Dogs and cats cannot see in color so it is the shiny,
shimmering or unusual appearance that attracts them. Birds can see in color, so
color may definitely be a source of attraction to them. Keep aluminum foil and
cellophane candy wrappers away from pets. Pets may swallow such material,
leading to gastrointestinal irritation, causing vomiting or may even pass into
the intestinal tract producing an intestinal blockage. Cats are quite often
attracted to ribbons, bows, strings and other decorations which they may chew,
swallow and develop intestinal blockage. In addition, twinkling lights or other
interesting electrical decorations may prove attractive to your pets. They may
chew on the cords which may lead to severe electrical shocks.
Keep the decorations out of the
reach of your pets to avoid potential danger. If you notice that your pet is
very interested in the decorations and may be chewing on them, be certain to
relocate the objects in a safe place where you pet cannot get to them.
Plants
During Halloween decorative
plants, such as pumpkins or decorative foods, such as corn and gourds are
placed around the home to provide a festive holiday setting. These plants and
foods though considered to be relatively non-toxic, can potentially cause
gastrointestinal upset and may even result in intestinal blockage if large
pieces are ingested.
Potpourri/Scented Candles
Liquid potpourri, commonly used
to add pleasant scent to the home during certain holidays, can be hazardous to
pets. Potentially severe damage to the mouth, skin and eyes could result from
exposure to both heated and cool liquid product. Birds are especially sensitive
to fumes or airborne toxins and caution must be exercised whenever you are
using materials that produce fumes or odors. Use them in areas with good
ventilation and keep your birds away from them. If you notice your bird is in
respiratory distress move your bird into an area away from the fumes, get good
clean air flow in the area and seek veterinary assistance. Airborne toxins can
be fatal to birds.
If you suspect your pet may
have become exposed to a potentially toxic product or substance, contact your
local veterinarian, a veterinary emergency clinic (if it is after hours for
your regular veterinarian) or the ASPCA
Animal Poison
Control Center
immediately for assistance.
Referenced from an informational flyer
provided by the Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, Urbana, IL
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