Beware of this spooky part of Halloween if you have pets!
Dogs, cats, and other pets can sometimes have a tasty treat in the form of human food. However, many foods are off-limits to them. It’s fun to make and give treats to your furry friends, but not all are safe. Can pets eat Halloween candy, particularly if they are cats and dogs?
Can Pets Eat Halloween Candy?
No. For various reasons, you should avoid giving Halloween candy or any candy to your cat or dog. You might not think that a little piece of bad food will hurt your pet, but you should not go against the good and life-saving advice to keep chocolate, candy, and any item containing xylitol (that includes toothpaste) away from your pets.
Dangers of Halloween Candy to Pets
Caffeine, dairy, and theobromine are found in different kinds of chocolate, which can have fatal consequences for your cat or dog. Dogs are not necessarily lactose intolerant, but most cats are.
Xylitol is a type of sweetener found in candies, ice creams, toothpaste, and in very small amounts in many fruits and vegetables. In sweets, xylitol is common in sugar-free varieties. This sugar alcohol is dangerous to both cats and dogs.
Yet another danger of Halloween candy to pets is one that you might not hear about often. Cats love shiny things, and the shiny wrappers of candies might attract them and get them into trouble. Candy wrappers can be choking hazards to both cats and dogs.
Cats and dogs are ultimately carnivores. High-sugar foods like candies, cakes, and other treats are not part of their normal diet and at best could result in an upset stomach. Halloween candy is no different.
Protecting Your Pets This Halloween
Keep Halloween candy out of reach from your pets. If necessary, cat-proof your cabinets so that your cat cannot break into the candy stash. Generally, keeping the candy out of reach will be enough to protect your pet from a mishap. If your dog has difficulty listening to commands, invest in training for a better life for you and your pet.
If your pet has ingested Halloween candy, determine how much it consumed and contact your vet. In Baltimore, Pasadena, and Cross Keys, Everhart Veterinary Medicine is here for your pet’s health!
Are you planning a Halloween party? Read about how your pet can safely join in here. There’s much more to fall; read about these fun, pet-friendly fall activities here.
Trust the Care of Your Pet to the Professionals at Everhart Veterinary Medicine!
At Everhart Veterinary Medicine, our veterinary professionals strive to provide your pet with the very best of veterinary care. We believe that the best care for your pet should be provided by experienced, compassionate, and knowledgeable veterinary professionals. With three Maryland locations in Baltimore, Pasadena, and Cross Keys, we are always ready to welcome your pet as a new patient! Give us a call today at 410-355-3131, 410-793-7670, or 443-470-6790! For more information, as well as updates on veterinary news and topics, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn!