Halloween harbors a host of frightfully funny sights and sounds, especially for pet lovers: Beagles crooning along with golden oldies like \u201cMonster Mash.\u201d Chihuahuas dressed up as Bruno Mars, sporting miniature guitars and indignant expressions that seem to proclaim, \u201cLet It Go.\u201d Unfortunately, many common trick-or-treat activities aren\u2019t so entertaining. They can prompt pet panic attacks, pancreatitis<\/a> and even poisoning. But never fear: This handy checklist of Halloween dangers for dogs will arm you against terrifying surprises, so your furkids stay safe and secure.<\/p>\n Halloween candy is among one of many Halloween dangers for dogs. Photography \u00a9 WilleeCole | Thinkstock.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Chocolate scores high on many kids\u2019 lists of #HalloweenGoals. Unfortunately, chocolate is also highly toxic to dogs<\/a>. That\u2019s because it contains both caffeine and theobromine, which are tough for furry friends to process.<\/p>\n \u201cTheobromine and caffeine are known as methylxanthines,\u201d explains Melissa Behrens, DVM, a veterinarian at Animal Hospital at the Shores<\/a> in Lake Barrington, Illinois. \u201cDogs are far more sensitive to methylxanthines than people, and different types of chocolate contain varying amounts. In general, though, the darker and more bitter the chocolate, the greater the danger.\u201d<\/p>\n To help Fido celebrate fearlessly, consider carob-flavored treats. They have the outward appearance of chocolate \u2014 but in occasional, nibble-sized quantities, they\u2019re safer for four-legged friends to ingest.<\/p>\n According to the Animal Poison Control Center<\/a> (APCC) run by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals<\/a> (ASPCA), grapes and raisins can be dangerous<\/a> nibbles as well. Both have caused kidney damage in certain canines. Because the exact reason for this documented reaction is still being studied, it\u2019s best to keep these tasty tidbits far from furry friends.<\/p>\n Xylitol, a non-caloric sweetener used in certain gums and candy products<\/a>, is another worrisome culprit. \u201cXylitol ingestion can cause a large amount of insulin to be released by a dog\u2019s pancreas, resulting in hypoglycemia or low blood sugar,\u201d warns Elisa Katz, DVM, a veterinarian and certified canine rehabilitation therapist at Natural Pet Holistic Veterinary Center<\/a> in Bourbonnais, Illinois. \u201cThis is an emergency that can lead to confusion, uncoordinated behavior, weakness, seizures and even death.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlways read your labels,\u201d cautions Dr. Behrens, \u201cand remember that dogs have great noses<\/a>! They\u2019ll sneak into purses or bags if they smell something sweet.\u201d<\/p>\n It\u2019s sometimes easy to forget that when placed on a table and lit, fall-scented candles are approximately pet-high. The same goes for miniature tapers and tea lights positioned inside carved pumpkins, too.<\/p>\n Larger dogs may even fling their front paws onto mantels and ledges to catch a closer whiff, thereby causing a fire. No matter how small, any<\/em> seasonal item that emits a flame should be kept well away from canines. Remember this simple rhyme: \u201cWagging tails and glowing wicks; these are things that never mix.\u201d<\/p>\n Halloween is a time when larger-than-average groups converge inside homes for themed parties and scary movie binge-watching. So, it pays to set firm house rules when it comes to feeding the family pooch.<\/p>\n As noted above, anything that contains caffeine could potentially prove fatal. That includes pumpkin-spiced lattes, mulled tea, hot cocoa, cola \u2014 and even coffee grounds. And feeding high-fat treats and trimmings from the holiday buffet table could prompt sudden pancreatitis flare-ups. Keep all these items far from questing noses.<\/p>\n When outdoor temperatures begin to plummet, some people start using rodenticides to discourage pesky critter infestations. Similarly, late autumn is a common time to begin adding antifreeze to the family car. Don\u2019t forget, these poisonous chemicals can easily kill a canine.<\/p>\n \u201cThe toxic ingredient in antifreeze is a potent alcohol called ethylene glycol,\u201d observes Dr. Behrens. \u201cUnfortunately, many pets will drink this sweet-tasting fluid if it\u2019s spilled on the ground, or left out in the open. Some brands add bittering agents, but this won\u2019t deter every dog.\u201d<\/p>\n Dr. Katz concurs. \u201cEthylene glycol is metabolized to various acidic substances,\u201d she explains. \u201cIngesting even small amounts can result in an acidosis of the body\u00a0\u2014 leading to a buildup of irreversible calcium oxalate crystals and mineralization of the kidneys.\u201d<\/p>\n Only use these types of household products with tremendous caution \u2014 and clean up any spills immediately. Both vets agree that antifreeze consumption should always be treated as an extreme emergency requiring rapid medical attention<\/a>.<\/p>\n Some owners think it\u2019s super-cute to let their pooch have a few slurps of beer. Unfortunately, ingesting even minute amounts of alcoholic beverages<\/a> \u2014 and flavored coffee syrups, too \u2014 can lead to doggie digestive upset, liver issues or organ damage. Remember that a canine\u2019s organs are much smaller than a human\u2019s, and prone to faster impairment.<\/p>\n For a non-alcoholic alternative that lets your pup party away, consider a low-sodium broth or a broth-based, meat-flavored pet beverage like Bowser Beer<\/a>.<\/p>\n Ringing doorbells might spell out anxiety for some dogs. Photography \u00a9\u00a0fotoedu | Thinkstock.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Many pups put doorbells right at the top of their terror lists. A loud, abrupt noise that proclaims the entry of unfamiliar strangers? It\u2019s not hard to understand why this might be upsetting. For pets who associate that familiar \u201cding-dong\u201d sound with something dire, swaddling can sometimes relieve excess anxiety.<\/p>\n The principal is similar for both canines and human newborns. Recognized Soviet physiologist Dr. Konstantin Buteyko and his colleagues have explained that swaddling can ease and prevent hyperventilation from the upper chest area. It creates a sort of systemic feedback loop: Breathing begins to issue from the lower diaphragm; smaller volumes of air are inhaled; and overall respiration slows to create a calmed feeling.<\/p>\n Commercial products like the Thundershirt<\/a>\u00a0were designed around this swaddling dynamic, and they\u2019re readily available at most pet stores.<\/p>\n Speaking of doorbells, let\u2019s talk strangers and visitors<\/a>. Pets instinctively guard their own territory. So, it can be extremely upsetting when an endless parade of giggling ghosts and goblins visit\u2026 or worse, head straight into the house accompanied by loud music and strobing lights.<\/p>\n \u201cThis loud, high-energy environment can cause anxious pets to escape right out the door of their homes,\u201d notes Dr. Behrens. Dr. Katz agrees that panicky pets who bolt could get lost, abducted and even hit by a car.<\/p>\n If you host Halloween revelers in your home \u2014 in any<\/em> capacity \u2014 be extra-sensitive to your pet\u2019s needs.<\/p>\n It\u2019s often best and safest to let your pooch hunker down in a secure, quiet room away from the action. In pronounced cases of anxiety<\/a>, an overnight stay at a reputable boarding facility or with a trusted family member, friend or sitter can give furry friends a reassuring break.<\/p>\n As an added seasonal precaution, it\u2019s always smart to keep the number of your local vet and emergency clinic<\/a> close at hand. Also, remember the hotline for the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center<\/a>: (888) 426-4435. If anything unexpected happens, consult these resources without delay. Here\u2019s wishing you and your pet a safe, secure and ghoulishly good time this Halloween!<\/p>\n Thumbnail:\u00a0Photography \u00a9 damedeeso | Thinkstock.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n This piece was originally published in 2017.<\/em><\/p>\n The post Are These Halloween Dangers for Dogs Lurking in Your Home?<\/a> by Marybeth Bittel<\/a> appeared first on Dogster<\/a>. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<\/p>\n The post Are These Halloween Dangers for Dogs Lurking in Your Home?<\/a> by Marybeth Bittel<\/a> appeared first on Dogster<\/a>. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.<\/p>\n Halloween harbors a host of frightfully funny sights and sounds, especially for pet lovers: Beagles crooning along with golden oldies like \u201cMonster Mash.\u201d Chihuahuas dressed up as Bruno Mars, sporting miniature guitars and indignant expressions that seem to proclaim, \u201cLet It Go.\u201d Unfortunately, many common trick-or-treat activities aren\u2019t so entertaining. They can prompt pet panic attacks, pancreatitis<\/a> and even poisoning. But never fear: This handy checklist of Halloween dangers for dogs will arm you against terrifying surprises, so your furkids stay safe and secure.<\/p>\n Halloween candy is among one of many Halloween dangers for dogs. Photography \u00a9 WilleeCole | Thinkstock.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Chocolate scores high on many kids\u2019 lists of #HalloweenGoals. Unfortunately, chocolate is also highly toxic to dogs<\/a>. That\u2019s because it contains both caffeine and theobromine, which are tough for furry friends to process.<\/p>\n \u201cTheobromine and caffeine are known as methylxanthines,\u201d explains Melissa Behrens, DVM, a veterinarian at Animal Hospital at the Shores<\/a> in Lake Barrington, Illinois. \u201cDogs are far more sensitive to methylxanthines than people, and different types of chocolate contain varying amounts. In general, though, the darker and more bitter the chocolate, the greater the danger.\u201d<\/p>\n To help Fido celebrate fearlessly, consider carob-flavored treats. They have the outward appearance of chocolate \u2014 but in occasional, nibble-sized quantities, they\u2019re safer for four-legged friends to ingest.<\/p>\n According to the Animal Poison Control Center<\/a> (APCC) run by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals<\/a> (ASPCA), grapes and raisins can be dangerous<\/a> nibbles as well. Both have caused kidney damage in certain canines. Because the exact reason for this documented reaction is still being studied, it\u2019s best to keep these tasty tidbits far from furry friends.<\/p>\n Xylitol, a non-caloric sweetener used in certain gums and candy products<\/a>, is another worrisome culprit. \u201cXylitol ingestion can cause a large amount of insulin to be released by a dog\u2019s pancreas, resulting in hypoglycemia or low blood sugar,\u201d warns Elisa Katz, DVM, a veterinarian and certified canine rehabilitation therapist at Natural Pet Holistic Veterinary Center<\/a> in Bourbonnais, Illinois. \u201cThis is an emergency that can lead to confusion, uncoordinated behavior, weakness, seizures and even death.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlways read your labels,\u201d cautions Dr. Behrens, \u201cand remember that dogs have great noses<\/a>! They\u2019ll sneak into purses or bags if they smell something sweet.\u201d<\/p>\n It\u2019s sometimes easy to forget that when placed on a table and lit, fall-scented candles are approximately pet-high. The same goes for miniature tapers and tea lights positioned inside carved pumpkins, too.<\/p>\n Larger dogs may even fling their front paws onto mantels and ledges to catch a closer whiff, thereby causing a fire. No matter how small, any<\/em> seasonal item that emits a flame should be kept well away from canines. Remember this simple rhyme: \u201cWagging tails and glowing wicks; these are things that never mix.\u201d<\/p>\n Halloween is a time when larger-than-average groups converge inside homes for themed parties and scary movie binge-watching. So, it pays to set firm house rules when it comes to feeding the family pooch.<\/p>\n As noted above, anything that contains caffeine could potentially prove fatal. That includes pumpkin-spiced lattes, mulled tea, hot cocoa, cola \u2014 and even coffee grounds. And feeding high-fat treats and trimmings from the holiday buffet table could prompt sudden pancreatitis flare-ups. Keep all these items far from questing noses.<\/p>\n When outdoor temperatures begin to plummet, some people start using rodenticides to discourage pesky critter infestations. Similarly, late autumn is a common time to begin adding antifreeze to the family car. Don\u2019t forget, these poisonous chemicals can easily kill a canine.<\/p>\n \u201cThe toxic ingredient in antifreeze is a potent alcohol called ethylene glycol,\u201d observes Dr. Behrens. \u201cUnfortunately, many pets will drink this sweet-tasting fluid if it\u2019s spilled on the ground, or left out in the open. Some brands add bittering agents, but this won\u2019t deter every dog.\u201d<\/p>\n Dr. Katz concurs. \u201cEthylene glycol is metabolized to various acidic substances,\u201d she explains. \u201cIngesting even small amounts can result in an acidosis of the body\u00a0\u2014 leading to a buildup of irreversible calcium oxalate crystals and mineralization of the kidneys.\u201d<\/p>\n Only use these types of household products with tremendous caution \u2014 and clean up any spills immediately. Both vets agree that antifreeze consumption should always be treated as an extreme emergency requiring rapid medical attention<\/a>.<\/p>\n Some owners think it\u2019s super-cute to let their pooch have a few slurps of beer. Unfortunately, ingesting even minute amounts of alcoholic beverages<\/a> \u2014 and flavored coffee syrups, too \u2014 can lead to doggie digestive upset, liver issues or organ damage. Remember that a canine\u2019s organs are much smaller than a human\u2019s, and prone to faster impairment.<\/p>\n For a non-alcoholic alternative that lets your pup party away, consider a low-sodium broth or a broth-based, meat-flavored pet beverage like Bowser Beer<\/a>.<\/p>\n Ringing doorbells might spell out anxiety for some dogs. Photography \u00a9\u00a0fotoedu | Thinkstock.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Many pups put doorbells right at the top of their terror lists. A loud, abrupt noise that proclaims the entry of unfamiliar strangers? It\u2019s not hard to understand why this might be upsetting. For pets who associate that familiar \u201cding-dong\u201d sound with something dire, swaddling can sometimes relieve excess anxiety.<\/p>\n The principal is similar for both canines and human newborns. Recognized Soviet physiologist Dr. Konstantin Buteyko and his colleagues have explained that swaddling can ease and prevent hyperventilation from the upper chest area. It creates a sort of systemic feedback loop: Breathing begins to issue from the lower diaphragm; smaller volumes of air are inhaled; and overall respiration slows to create a calmed feeling.<\/p>\n Commercial products like the Thundershirt<\/a>\u00a0were designed around this swaddling dynamic, and they\u2019re readily available at most pet stores.<\/p>\n Speaking of doorbells, let\u2019s talk strangers and visitors<\/a>. Pets instinctively guard their own territory. So, it can be extremely upsetting when an endless parade of giggling ghosts and goblins visit\u2026 or worse, head straight into the house accompanied by loud music and strobing lights.<\/p>\n \u201cThis loud, high-energy environment can cause anxious pets to escape right out the door of their homes,\u201d notes Dr. Behrens. Dr. Katz agrees that panicky pets who bolt could get lost, abducted and even hit by a car.<\/p>\n If you host Halloween revelers in your home \u2014 in any<\/em> capacity \u2014 be extra-sensitive to your pet\u2019s needs.<\/p>\n It\u2019s often best and safest to let your pooch hunker down in a secure, quiet room away from the action. In pronounced cases of anxiety<\/a>, an overnight stay at a reputable boarding facility or with a trusted family member, friend or sitter can give furry friends a reassuring break.<\/p>\n As an added seasonal precaution, it\u2019s always smart to keep the number of your local vet and emergency clinic<\/a> close at hand. Also, remember the hotline for the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center<\/a>: (888) 426-4435. If anything unexpected happens, consult these resources without delay. Here\u2019s wishing you and your pet a safe, secure and ghoulishly good time this Halloween!<\/p>\n Thumbnail:\u00a0Photography \u00a9 damedeeso | Thinkstock.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n This piece was originally published in 2017.<\/em><\/p>\n The post Are These Halloween Dangers for Dogs Lurking in Your Home?<\/a> by Marybeth Bittel<\/a> appeared first on Dogster<\/a>. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-977","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\n1.\u00a0Halloween candy\u00a0is toxic to dogs
\n<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.dogster.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/A-dog-with-a-Halloween-pumpkin-wig-on-600x400.jpg\")
<\/p>\n2.\u00a0Candles and d\u00e9cor are Halloween dangers for dogs<\/h3>\n
3.\u00a0Festive Halloween food and drinks could cause issues
\n<\/strong><\/h3>\n4. Cool-weather chemicals are toxic to dogs<\/h3>\n
5. Pumpkin beers spell out trouble for dogs<\/h3>\n
6. Doorbells ringing are scary to dogs<\/h3>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.dogster.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/A-dog-in-a-ghost-Halloween-costume-600x400.jpg\")
<\/p>\n7. Trick-or-treaters and stranger-danger guests\u00a0mean Halloween frights for dogs<\/h3>\n
Read more about dogs and Halloween on Dogster.com:<\/h3>\n
\n
1.\u00a0Halloween candy\u00a0is toxic to dogs
\n<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n2.\u00a0Candles and d\u00e9cor are Halloween dangers for dogs<\/h3>\n
3.\u00a0Festive Halloween food and drinks could cause issues
\n<\/strong><\/h3>\n4. Cool-weather chemicals are toxic to dogs<\/h3>\n
5. Pumpkin beers spell out trouble for dogs<\/h3>\n
6. Doorbells ringing are scary to dogs<\/h3>\n
<\/p>\n7. Trick-or-treaters and stranger-danger guests\u00a0mean Halloween frights for dogs<\/h3>\n
Read more about dogs and Halloween on Dogster.com:<\/h3>\n
\n