Halloween and your pets

 Spooky season is upon us, and all the fun and treats that goes with it.  You know the saying, "all things in moderation"? Well that doesn't apply to our pets. No matter how much they beg, your dog should NOT get treats out of the Halloween candy. Some types of candy can make your dog very ill and can even be fatal, especially dark chocolate and those containing xylitol. 
 Chocolate
 Chocolate is the more common cause for concern, particularly since it is widely available and smells so yummy and temping. Generally, the darker the chocolate the more toxic it is; milk chocolate is safer than semi-sweet, which is less toxic than dark, which is less toxic than baker's chocolate. But all is still a risk. 
 The amount of chocolate and size of the dog matters too.  If small dog like a chihuahua eats 20 bars of milk chocolate, they are going to be in trouble, but on the same note if a lovable lab eats a fun-sized bar of milk chocolate, he is likely going to be fine. 
 What makes chocolate toxic to dogs anyway.
  Chocolate contains several active chemicals, including theobromine and caffeine. Dogs are not designed to metabolize these as well as humans, meaning that these chemicals are a lot more powerful in dogs.
  What are the signs of toxicity?
 Chocolate toxicity can vary from dog to dog, depending on the type and amount of chocolate ingested. The symptoms may take several hours to develop, so don't assume that just because your dog "looks and acts normal" , that all is well. 
 In minor cases, a dog with chocolate toxicity may only show: 
 * Vomiting
 *Diarrhea
 *Restlessness
 *Panting
 *Excessive Thirst
 *Urination
 *High Heart Rate
 Some dogs will go on to show more severe signs, including muscle tremors, seizures, heart failure, and death.  Even if your dog has eaten a small amount of chocolate, contact your vet. 
  Chocolate-Covered Raisins
 Chocolate-covered raisins unfortunately combine two problems for out pets: the toxicity of the chocolate and the risk associated with eating raisins.  We don't know exactly why, but some dogs will become severely ill- and even die of kidney disease- from eating even one raisin or grape.
 Signs can be very similar to chocolate toxicity, but they often will focus on extreme thirst and urination, poor appetite, vomiting, and lethargy.
 It is important  to have your dog checked out immediately if they have eaten any amount of raisins or grapes, including chocolate-covered raisins.
  Hard Candies
 Hard candies can be problematic for dogs, especially the sugar-free varieties that may contain xylitol. Even a very small amount of xylitol can cause a severe drop in blood sugar in dogs, which can also lead to seizures, coma, and death. If you think your dog has eaten even a single sugar-free hard candy, call your vet. 
 Hard candies can also lead to choking and can result in obstructions if multiple candies "stick together" once they get to the stomach. Because the candy is slippery when wet, it can also easily be inhaled into the windpipe, obstructing breathing.  
​ Dogs that eat just a few hard candies might be fine, might have an upset stomach but if that candy contains xylitol, they may be in for some trouble. Vomiting, diarrhea, can progress to to lethargy, a loss of appetite, restlessness, pain in their abdomen.  Worst case senecio they might develop seizures or other neurological signs. 
 Sugary Candies
 High sugary candies like candy corn, peeps aren't considered toxic, but can certainly make them sick and upset their digestive tract. They can have gas, bloating, diarrhea. Sensitive dogs can have inflammation in their intestinal tract and may lead to pancreatitis.  That can sometimes be fatal and requires treatment. 
 What to do if your dog gets into the candy?
 Call your veterinarian or the emergency veterinary clinic in your area. There are also several hotlines, including those operated by the ASPCA and Connect with a Vet(Chewy)  be sure you are seeking advice from a veterinary-specific hotline. 
Remember don't panic! Your pet can sense your emotions. Stay calm and work through the situation to help your vet help you. 
 Keeping Pets Safe During Halloween
 An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of treatment. Be sure to Keep ALL candy up and out of reach of your pets. It is safest to simply not have anything highly toxic to your pet in the house. Don't buy dark chocolate or xylitol candy. 
  Identification
 *Make sure your pets have identification. Microchip, a collar that's not to loose or to tight, You should be able to fir two fingers in between your pets neck and the collar, not your whole hand. An ID tag that will make it easy for someone to contact you and return them home in case they escape through an open door while you're taking care of trick-or-treaters.
 *Keep lit candles, jack-o-lanterns, and other Halloween decorations out of reach of pets.  
 *Keep glow sticks away from pets, when chewed, glow stick items can release liquid that tastes really bad and can make them drool excessively or act strangely (though it isn't likely to be harmful). 
 *If your pet is wary of strangers or has a tendency to bite, put them in a room away from the front door during trick-or-treating hours, or provide them with a safe hiding place.
​ *keep your pet indoors. 

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sources -petmd.com, avma.org