The spooky season is a fun, and often tasty time for us—but many treats associated with Halloween can put your pet’s health at risk. Here’s seasonal food (and drink) that you should keep out of paw’s reach:

  • Chocolate can cause upset stomachs, heart arrhythmia, panting, abnormal heart rhythm, kidney failure, seizures, and even death if large amounts are consumed. Dark and baking chocolate is the most dangerous, as they contain the largest amounts of methylxanthines, substances toxic to dogs and cats. Caffeine and coffee contain these same substances and should be kept away from your pet.
  • Remember, the darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is for our furry friends. Please be careful with baking chocolate, as this poses the biggest risk.
  • Xylitol—a sweetener often found in peanut butter and chewing gum—is extremely toxic to dogs and cats, as it can cause extremely low blood sugar, seizures, and liver failure.
  • Grapes and raisins may be healthy treats for people, but not for our canine companions. Eating them can result in sudden kidney failure.
  • Nuts contain high amounts of oils and fats that cause vomiting and diarrhea, and potentially pancreatitis in pets.
  • Alcohol at adult Christmas gatherings might be enjoyable for us, but vomiting, diarrhea, central nervous system depression, respiratory problems, and a truly deadly hangover could be the result if your dog or cat ingests alcohol of any kind. It’s also important to remind little ones at family gatherings not to feed candy to pets and to tuck their goodies safely away from their animal friends. If you think your pet may have eaten something toxic, don’t hesitate to call us at (630) 427-4072 or the ASPCA Poison Control Center immediately.
  • Keep pets away from holly, mistletoe, poinsettias, and lilies, which can be toxic to varying degrees for both dogs and cats.
  • Consider putting your animal friend in another room with toys, treats, water, and a bed when having a party or gathering. This way, your dog (and especially your cat) will be less stressed.
  • Make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date! It’s important your pets are current on all boosters for core vaccines if you’re boarding them over the holidays. For dogs, this usually includes bordetella (kennel cough) and canine influenza.

And remember, if your pet needs vaccinations or any other care to prepare for the holidays, please give us a call (630) 427-4072! Have a happy and safe Halloween!

If your pet has ingested chocolate, monitor them for symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drinking, pacing, shaking, and hyperactivity. If you do decide to bring them to us, please bring any chocolate packaging if possible, to help us understand what kind of chocolate it was and how much your pet has ingested. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is also a valuable resource for chocolate consumption and other toxic scenarios. Their number is 888-426-4435.