The best part about Halloween is the costumes, and of course, the candy! But both of these things can spell trouble for your dog.
You probably already know that chocolate is bad for your dog, but do you know why? Chocolate is made from theobroma cacao, which contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which can be toxic to your dog. If your dog gets into the chocolate bars, not only could he become very sick, it could be fatal.
Many candies also contain xylitol, a common sweetener that is toxic to dogs. Even a little bit can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, loss of coordination and seizures. Without immediate treatment, ingesting xylitol can quickly result in death.
It's essential to keep your Halloween candy out of reach from your pooch. Remember, dogs have an incredibly strong sense of smell, so you want to make sure that they are not able to get into your stash. If you have young children living at your home, make sure that you keep the night's haul up high and away from your dog. Also, be sure to tell any guests you have over not to give your dog chocolate as a treat!
If your dog does get into the chocolate, watch for these symptoms of chocolate poisoning: vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate and seizures. Any of these symptoms warrants a trip to the vet.
While answering the door and finding ghouls, goblins and the princess from Frozen on your porch can be fun for you, it can be terrifying for your dog. The constant knocking/ringing the doorbell can make them very excited. The children's costumes, with masks, makeup, and props can be very scary for your pooch. To keep him calm, consider keeping in a different room and away from the front door.
If you are dressing your dog up this year, make sure that his costume is safe and comfortable. Avoid costumes with fittings, buttons, zippers or rough areas. Make sure it fits properly - too small can restrict movement and breathing and too big could lead to the costume catching on something.
If you are want to have some fun with your furry friend this Halloween, join the staff at K9 Central on October 31 from noon to 4 p.m. for a free Spooktacular Halloween Extravaganza for the whole family! There will be performances by the WoofJocks Canine All-Stars at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., fun games for the kids, costume contests for the dogs, tricks for treats and more!
To learn more about K9 Central and everything we have to offer, call (905) 623-3940 or visit www.k9central.com.