(KNSI) – Halloween can be a lot of fun for kids but creates issues that could get your pet sick. Halloween is Sunday and that means Trick-or-Treaters in most neighborhoods are looking for candy. But, Tri-County Humane Society Executive Director Vicki Davis says all that sweet stuff is bad for your pet.
“I think candy is the first thing people think of associated with Halloween and that can be one of the most dangerous parts of it for pets. Chocolate, for one, especially dark chocolate or baking chocolate, can be very dangerous for dogs and cats and then there are some sugar free candies that also can cause problems.”
Sugar-free candy and gum can be very dangerous to dogs if they contain xylitol sugar substitutes. When ingested by dogs, xylitol can cause a surge of insulin and cause a dog’s liver to shut down.
Davis says it’s not just food that can make dogs and cats sick.
“Another Halloween thing you’ll find with kids are those glow sticks. And sometimes, if they’re dropped or laying around, a dog might think of them as a chew bone and wander off with them and start chewing on them. And whatever that is in there does not mix well with pets.”
She says the nutritious treat you can make for your pet is cooked pumpkin from your jack-o-lantern. You can find several recipes online.
Davis says some pets can become anxious with doorbells constantly ringing. She recommends putting tape over the doorbell and keeping an eye out for trick-or-treaters. She recommends taking a dog for a long walk ahead of time.
If you are dressing your pet for Halloween, Davis recommends trying the costume on your pet first to make sure it fits and they don’t mind wearing it. Davis says the important thing is to know your pet and use common sense around the holidays.
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