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Halloween presents several dangers to four-legged friends without the right precautions. Many elements of the holiday, like candies and binding costumes, can harm your canine. Help your dog stay safe this Halloween with the following tips that veterinarians routinely stress during the holiday season.

3 Halloween Safety Tips for Dogs

1. Hide Candy

Keep Halloween candy out of your dog’s reach, including all forms of chocolate since they contain theobromine. A bitter alkaloid from the cacao plant, theobromine presents digestion difficulties and quickly builds up in dog bodies.

Chocolate isn’t the only risky treat for your dog. The artificial sweetener xylitol found in sugar-free candies and gums can trigger hypoglycemic reactions in dogs, and sucrose and glucose in candy corn can cause gastrointestinal problems.

2. Look Out for Signs of Chocolate Poisoning

veterinarianFamiliarize yourself with the signs of chocolate poisoning in your dog, including vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, rapid breathing, muscle stiffness, low blood pressure, fever, and restlessness.

Take your dog to the veterinarian right away if you notice any of these symptoms to avoid further issues. They will thoroughly examine the canine, which includes blood and urine tests, before using charcoal to absorb the theobromine.

Depending on how much chocolate or other candy the dog has ingested, they may need stomach pumping. Your dog would then receive fluids and medication to prevent dehydration and seizures. The veterinarian would monitor your dog’s heart for arrhythmias as well.

3. Keep Them Safe During Trick-or-Treating

If you plan to dress your pooch up this year, check their Halloween costume for areas that pinch or pieces that can be easily chewed. Use lightweight and reflective material, especially if you plan to walk the dog at night.

If you’re staying in, keep the animal inside and out of the way of trick-or-treaters, either by closing doors or using baby gates, so your dog doesn’t run out or get overly excited and nervous. Use flameless candles with LED lights to avoid pet-related fires.
 

If your dog needs emergency care during Halloween or any other time, trust the veterinarians at Vintage Park Veterinary Clinic in Sacramento, CA. The animal clinic provides medical and dental care for furry friends throughout Sacramento County, as well as microchip identification. Call (916) 243-5855 today to make an appointment or visit the veterinarians online for a full list of services.

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