Halloween

With the most candy filled holiday soon approaching, I thought it necessary to talk about the dangers of Halloween for you pets. Most adults realize that candy is never a good thing to give your pet but do you know why? Did you know that there are many other concerns that this holiday (along with most holidays) presents to your pet? Here are a list of things to consider as you don you costume and gear up to collect candy:


• Loud and excessive noise created by trick-or-treaters can frighten your pet. Pets, especially dogs that are easily excitable or threatened by strangers, should be kept away from the front door to keep them from biting strangers or running into the street.

• Halloween costumes for pets can be a real hit for the holidays, but be wary of costumes that contain rubber bands to keep them in place on the animal. If rubber bands are mistakenly left on the pet after the costume comes off, they can quickly burrow into the animal's skin. Also, any fasteners, details, etc. that can easily fall off or be chewed off can present a potential choking hazard or if swallowed, an obstruction.

• Pets are better off left at home during trick-or-treat excursions; however, if they are taken along, it is best to keep them on a very short leash to keep them from fighting with other animals or biting strangers they encounter.

• Make sure all pets are inside during the night the youngsters are Halloween trick-or-treating, especially black pets, to avoid the heartbreak of hideous "pranks." In fact, during the entire month of October, all black pets should be kept indoors. The safest thing for both you and your animals is to keep them indoors unless you are supervising their outdoor activities with them on a leash.

• Supervise all candles - pets are attracted to the bright "lights" in a darkened room. Not only could they receive serious burns, but they could knock the candles over, spilling hot wax onto furniture and carpeting. Don't leave candles unattended for their sake and for the obvious fire hazards.


• All other decorations should be carefully placed so that the pets can't pull or scratch off any small pieces to swallow.


• Cover or tack down electrical cords.


• Candy – the biggest danger:


Candy, especially chocolate, is toxic for animals and can cause vomiting, restlessness, heart disturbances, and even death. Keep candy out of the pet's reach and young children should be told not to share candy with their pet.


Wrappers on candies can also cause internal injuries if swallowed – foil type wrappers can act like a razor as it is swallowed and ingested. Keep all candies and their wrappers in a secured place.


Other holiday treats, alcoholic beverages, rich, fatty food scraps and bones can be harmful or toxic to pets. Keep your pet on his regular diet and caution visitors against giving your pet "special treats."


What’s up with chocolate?


Chocolate is produced from the beans of the cacao tree. Two components of these beans present a hazard to pets, Theobromine and caffeine. Both Theobromine and Caffeine are members of a drug class called Methylxanines.


Theobromine and caffeine effects on the body:


• Central Nervous System (CNS) stimulant


• Cardiovascular stimulant


• Increase blood pressure (mild)


• Nausea and vomiting


• Potential Death


What chocolates are most dangerous?


Worst - Dry cocoa powder


Unsweetened (Baker's) chocolate


Cocoa bean mulch


Semisweet chocolate and sweet dark chocolate


Milk chocolate


White chocolate


*If your pet eats chocolate, call your veterinarian right away to access the danger.