Halloween is just around the corner, which means millions of pets are once again in danger of ingesting candy. Chocolate and sugar are known to be detrimental to animal wellness. Halloween treats like candy corn, chocolate-covered raisins, bite-sized hard candy, and sugar-free gum are at the top of the list of no-nos for your pet.

However, many pet owners are confused why these treats should not be given to animals. To help shed light on the matter, here are some reasons why candy is bad for your furry friends and what you can do if they eat any:

Why Is Candy Bad for Animal Wellness?

Chocolate is bad for animals because it contains theobromine. The stimulant, which is found in cacao beans, remains after the cacao has been processed. While humans can easily metabolize theobromine, animals cannot process it as fast. Theobromine can poison dogs and send smaller breeds into cardiac arrhythmia or a coma, and can even be fatal.

A little sugar is not harmful to pets, as long as it’s the naturally occurring kind found in fruits. However, candies that use the sugar substitute Xylitol is toxic to dogs and can cause seizures and liver failure. Xylitol is often used in breath mints and sugar-free gum.

What to Do if Your Pet Ingests Candy?

Call your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline immediately if your pet has consumed any chocolate or candy. The veterinarian will recommend the pet owner to monitor the animal for symptoms of poisoning or bring the animal to the clinic. This would depend on the kind and amount of sweets ingested and the size of the animal. The vet would then induce vomiting or give activated charcoal to ensure animal wellness. They might also give medications and IV fluids to quickly combat poisoning.

Are you worried about your pet's health? The Waipio Pet Clinic in Waipahu, Oahu, is dedicated to animal wellness and has been actively pushing for spaying, neutering, and preventative care against pet cancer. You can call the pet hospital at (808) 676-2205 or check out their website to learn more about their services.