Halloween is a sweet holiday for people and a risky one for pets. Bowls of candy by the door, overflowing trick-or-treat bags left on the floor and wrappers scattered around the living room can all tempt curious dogs and, occasionally, cats. Knowing what makes candy dangerous helps you plan ahead.
Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which dogs process slowly. Depending on the amount and type eaten relative to a dog’s size, chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, increased heart rate and, in more serious cases, tremors or seizures. In general, darker chocolate and baking chocolate contain more of these compounds than milk chocolate. White chocolate contains very little, but its fat and sugar can still upset the stomach.
Cats are also sensitive to chocolate, though they are less likely to eat it.
Xylitol
Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in some sugar-free gum, mints, candies and baked goods. In dogs, it can cause a rapid, dangerous drop in blood sugar and, in some cases, liver damage. Even small amounts can be a concern. Xylitol may appear on labels under other names, such as birch sugar, so read ingredient lists carefully.
Wrappers, Sticks and Other Hazards
Candy is not the only problem. Dogs that eat candy often swallow the wrappers too. Foil and plastic wrappers, lollipop sticks and packaging can cause choking or digestive obstructions. Large amounts of sugary, fatty candy can upset the stomach and, in some dogs, may be associated with pancreatitis. Raisins, which sometimes show up in trick-or-treat bags, can be toxic to dogs.
If Your Pet Gets Into the Candy
Act quickly:
- Move your pet away from the candy and collect any remaining wrappers
- Try to figure out what was eaten, how much and when
- Call your veterinarian, an emergency animal hospital or a poison control service such as the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661); a fee may apply
- Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian tells you to
- Keep the packaging, since ingredient lists help professionals assess the risk
Signs can be delayed, so do not wait for symptoms to appear before calling.
Prevention for a Safer Halloween
A few simple habits can prevent most candy accidents:
- Keep candy bowls up high or behind closed doors
- Store trick-or-treat bags in closed cabinets or containers, not on the floor or coffee table
- Talk to children about why candy is not for pets, and give them a safe place to sort their haul
- Check floors, couches and car seats for dropped candy and wrappers
- Keep sugar-free gum and mints out of purses and backpacks pets can reach
- Have pet-safe treats on hand so your pet can join in
The days after Halloween can be just as risky, when leftover candy is still around the house. Keep the stash secured until it is gone. If you are ever unsure whether something your pet ate is dangerous, call your veterinarian.
