Happy Halloween! In addition to watching out for trick-or-treaters as they traverse our neigbhorhood, pet owners should be vigilant about Halloween candy and pets. Most people are aware of the danger of chocolate to dogs, but since our four-legged friends often eat whatever they can get their paws on, take note that sugar-free items are not necessarily safe.
We had a reader write in to let us know of the sad passing of their Pug – he ate a small amount of xylitol. While often labeled as “not for pets”, this sugar substitute is toxic in dogs. According to VCA Animal Hospitals (which includes our own Queen Anne Animal Clinic), “xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs. Even small amounts of xylitol can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures, liver failure or even death in dogs.”
Xylitol is found in sugar-free gum, candies, breath mints, baked goods, cough syrup, children’s chewable vitamins, mouthwash, and toothpaste. As a warning to other pet owners, regardless of the sugary holiday that’s upon us, be sure to keep chocolate and sweets away from pets.
To keep pets safe tonight, check out these tips from Seattle Animal Shelter:
- Don’t leave your pets out in the yard on Halloween. There are too many stories of vicious pranksters who have teased, injured, stolen or even killed pets on this night.
- When going out trick-or-treating, leave your pets at home. Pets can be easily excited by the Halloween activity.
- Trick-or-treat candies are not for pets. Chocolate is poisonous to dogs and tin foil and cellophane candy wrappers can be hazardous if swallowed. Store treats in a high cabinet secured with a lock or child-safety latch.
- Watch out for the ‘lethal wagging tails’ or curious kittens near lit pumpkins and other flames. Pets can knock them over and cause a fire or burn injuries to your pet and people.
- Don’t dress your animals in costumes unless you know they love it. If you do dress them up, be careful not to obstruct their vision as even the sweetest dogs can get snappy when they can’t see what’s going on around them.
- Keep your dog(s) in a separate room during trick-or-treat visiting hours, as too many strangers in strange garb can be scary for a dog. If you are having an indoor party, keep pets in a room where they won’t be disturbed or frightened by costumes.
- Make certain your pet is wearing a pet license in case your cat or dog darts out through an open door.
If your pet escapes tonigh, we can post your “lost pet” notice. Just be sure to include:
- pet’s name
- pet’s description – the more detailed the better (not just the breed – a description)
- pet’s photo – now’s the time to take a pet “mug shot” for missing flyers
- your contact info – how you want people to contact you
- where last seen – cross-streets (e.g. near Boston St and 1st Ave N)
- for street names, note if streets are W or N streets (e.g. 2nd Ave W)
- relevant info on pet’s behavior (e.g. “skittish of people”, “loves other dogs”)
Let’s keep Queen Anne pets safe tonight and all year!