Halloween is just around the corner, one of the favorite holidays for kids and anyone that enjoys a good scare. Halloween can also be scary for your pets, but not in a good way. With the doorbell ringing all night and strangers showing up in weird outfits, Halloween can be a disturbing experience for your dog.

Additionally, with all the candy that trick-or-treaters bring home, there’s a real chance that your pet might ingest something that could endanger its health, as both certain types of candy, and their discarded wrappers, can make a dog ill.

To protect your pet, you should pay close attention to your children as they enjoy their booty to make sure that Fido doesn’t eat something he shouldn’t.

Chocolate, in any of its many forms, is one of the favorite Halloween treats to both give out and receive. But, as most dog owners know, CHOCOLATE IS POISON TO DOGS; it is toxic to them because of its two main ingredients, theobromine and caffeine.

While not as dangerous as chocolate, you should also watch closely for any signs of gastrointestinal problems if your dog eats non-chocolate candies. Call your vet if any of the symptoms listed below appear.

Another major threat to your pet’s health is the wrappers the candy comes in. These foreign objects can cause intestinal blocks and obstruct your pet’s intestines, and may require surgery to remove the internal blockages.

If your pet exhibits any of these signs and you think they may have ingested candy or foreign objects, you should contact your vet as soon as possible.

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Rapid breathing
• Seizures
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite

The best way to prevent your dog from becoming ill is to make sure your kids are aware of the hazard candy poses to your pets. You should:

• Help your children find a hiding place for their goodies that the dog can’t get to with either its mouth or paws.
• Remember, clever dogs will do anything to get their paws on a tasty treat, including opening drawers and cabinets.

If you host a Halloween party at your home, make sure that any candy being served is safely away from your pet’s reach, even if you plan to be in the room with them. Temptation is a powerful force for man or beast, and it only takes a second for a dog to take a bite from the candy bowl.

You can have a happy and safe Halloween for you, your family, and your precious pets by following these few simple tips!