Halloween Candy Dangers for Dogs

Halloween is on its way. Candy bowls are overflowing, and soon trick-or-treat bags will be as well. For more than half of the American households with a dog, however, all this Halloween fun can come with frightening consequences. Some favored Halloween treats are dangerous and potentially deadly for pets. How can you keep your furry family members safe while still enjoying the holiday?

The Dangers of Popular Candies for Your Dog

The Pet Poison Control Hotline sees an influx of calls in the days surrounding Halloween. While not all candies are dangerous, some pose a greater risk. How do your favorites fare?

·         The Worst Halloween Treats for Your Dog
The following treats are unsafe in any quantity:

o    Dark & milk chocolate
Chocolate is toxic to dogs and can be fatal in large amounts. Chocolate can cause hyperactivity, shaking, rapid heart rate, and seizures. The higher the cacao content, the greater the risk. Smaller animals eating larger amounts are at increased risk.

o    Raisins
Raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs.

o    Macadamia nuts
Macadamia nuts are known to cause vomiting/diarrhea, muscle weakness (especially in hind legs), shaking, and fever.

o    Any treats sweetened with Xylitol
Xylitol can cause low blood sugar, seizures, and liver failure and is highly toxic.

·         Unsafe for Your Dog in Large Quantities
These are unsafe in quantities higher than 10-grams (the weight of 1 pencil or 10 paperclips). NOTE: Smaller dogs eating the equivalent of 10-grams will experience more severe effects.

o    Tootsie Rolls

o    Reese’s

o    M&Ms

o    Snickers

o    Milky Way

o    Butterfinger

o    Kit-Kats

o    Almond Joy

·         Don’t Fret if Your Dog Nabs a Few of these in the Night
These are not a health threat in small quantities. However, more than 10-grams can cause GI upset.

o    Candy corn

o    Smarties

o    Skittles

o    Starburst

o    Jolly Ranchers

o    Blow Pops

o    Lemonheads & sour candies

On this Late Night, Patrol Indoors & Out

Dogs are opportunists. Throughout Halloween night and before going to bed, make sure you have securely stored Halloween candy out of reach. Don’t forget to take a final lap after overexcited kids are in bed, keeping a wary eye out for left behind sugary bounty.

Your kids aren’t the only ones with a little extra holiday energy to work off. Treat your dog to a day of fun at DoGone Fun’s Doggy DayCare today.

This article was previously published at: https://www.dogonefunchicago.com/owning-a-dog/halloween-candy-dangers-for-dogs/

Pumpkin Diet For Dogs: The Benefits and Dangers of this Fall Fruit

The crisp beauty of autumn brings forth the bounty of pumpkins. You’ll find this seasonal treat everywhere from store décor to Halloween displays and your morning latte. Social media often proliferates this pumpkin mania, coaxing you to pull your pooch aboard the pumpkin parade. Though the great pumpkin does hold health benefits for your dog, there is a lot of misinformation spread this time of year that can put your pup in danger.

Tips for Avoiding Scary Pumpkin Dangers for Dogs

·         Leave the Canned Pumpkin on the Shelf

Canned pie filling is loaded with fat, sugar, spices, and other substances that can make your dog sick. This processed food is prepped for human enjoyment – not your pooch’s.

·         Fresh is Best

Cooked, fresh, real pumpkin is best for your dog. This is an easy at-home task. Remove the seeds of a fresh pie pumpkin, baking it for about 45 minutes on 350-degrees. Cool and scrape pumpkin out with a spoon to puree in a blender. Freeze in ice cube trays for easy portioning and storage.

·         Take it Easy

Pumpkin offers digestive benefits for dogs, helping soothe the irritation of IBS and constipation. However, because pumpkin is rich in fiber, it only takes a small amount to cause diarrhea. Too much pumpkin, which is rich in Vitamin A, can also cause toxicity in your canine companion with amounts as low as 10-times the daily requirement. Start off by mixing about one-tablespoon to your dog’s daily dinner. Watch for nausea and malaise, which indicate Vitamin A overload. Likewise, monitor stools to find the serving of pumpkin that is right for your dog.

·         Never Serve Jack-o-Lanterns as Leftovers

Feeding your dog leftover Halloween pumpkins is not safe. These will harbor bacteria, mold, and chemical residues from candles and paints. Ditto for raw (and cooked) pumpkin seeds, and especially stems. Stems present a choking hazard and can lodge in intestines, causing a severe blockage (or worse).

·         Watch ‘Pumpkin Dog Treat’ Ingredients

Avoid treats containing pumpkin pie filling, sugar, and spices that can make your dog sick.

On the lookout for holiday boarding for a dog? We’ve got all the treats you and your pup are looking for. Contact DoGone Fun today.

This article was previously published at:  https://www.dogonefunchicago.com/owning-a-dog/pumpkin-diet-for-dogs-the-benefits-and-dangers-of-this-fall-fruit/