If you’re Team October, you’ll probably be making Halloween plans already. Before you know it, you’ll choose your pumpkins, decorate spooky decorations, and buy treats for trick-or-treaters. But what does that mean for your pets on Halloween? Do you need to take extra precautions on the most dreadful night of the year to keep them safe? Can a dog have a chocolate intolerance? And which foods do you need to keep away from them to avoid any unexpected scares?

Keep the chocolate well hidden

Halloween-themed goodies have been on supermarket shelves for a while now. Whether you’re planning on stocking up on milk chocolate eyeballs or you fancy making your treats for October 31^st, your dogs mustn’t get their paws on any. Dogs cannot eat chocolate, and not just because dogs are intolerant to chocolate. Because chocolate contains a stimulant called theobromine, which is toxic to dogs, eating it can cause the onset of severe health complications. These include kidney failure, heart failure, seizures and even death if it’s eaten sufficiently high. While all chocolate can be harmful, it’s even more dangerous if it has a high cocoa content or contains dried fruit and raisins, which are also poisonous to pets. All chocolate intolerance can be fatal, so don’t delay calling your vet for advice, even if your dog has only eaten a small amount.

Keep the apples for bobbing

Apple bobbing goes back centuries, and it remains a popular Halloween tradition. Thanks to their high vitamin A and C content, apples can be a healthy treat for dogs when enjoyed in moderation. However, because they contain fibre, eating too many can upset your dog’s stomach and give them diarrhoea. This is a common symptom of a dog having chocolate intolerance. The stem and the core can also be a choking hazard if they get stuck in your dog’s throat, while the pips contain a low amount of cyanide released when chewed. It’s unlikely that swallowing a couple of pips will cause problems, but it’s much better if apples are adequately prepared before feeding your dog. If they do decide to eat too many, it’s best to call your vet to see if they need anything to soothe their tummies.

Artificial sweetener (xylitol)

Xylitol is found in many sugar-free products, such as chewing gum, sweets, and peanut butter. Because it causes the release of insulin, your dog’s blood sugar levels can drop if they eat anything laced with this compound. This can lead to the onset of liver failure and unpleasant symptoms such as seizures, vomiting and lethargy. If you think your dog has helped themselves to a food that contains xylitol, call your vet immediately because they will need to be examined. While humans commonly consume this sweetener, it can put your dog in grave danger, so ensure they get the medical attention they need if they help themselves to an unsuitable Halloween snack.

What can you do to prepare for the Halloween season?

It’s common sense to keep food toxic to dogs out of the way they can’t reach. But it’s also a good idea to make sure that everyone else in your house is well-educated about foods that have the potential to make your dog unwell. Not only will this help to keep your pet safe at Halloween (and all year round), but it could also save you from the expense of some hefty vet bills. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with including your dog in the celebrations this October. Just ensure their food doesn’t get mixed up with yours so you don’t get extra frights.

Contact UK Pet Food Intolerance for advice

If you’d like to find out how a food intolerance test can improve your pet’s health, you can order it on the UK Pet Food Intolerance website. You can also email any questions to [email protected] or by filling in our contact form. While we are happy to help you choose the proper food intolerance test for your pet, you should always speak to your vet if you’re worried about your pet’s health.