Trick or Treat

Beware of Halloween Treats

Sugar-free candy, gum and cookies flavored with Xylitol can cause a radical drop in blood pressure, liver damage and death, and it doesn't take that much.

Chocolate contains theobromine. Theobromine can cause shaking, seizures, increased heart rate and death.

Raisins and grapes can cause kidney failure and death. The reason isn't understood, but a 50-pound dog could be poisoned by eating two ounces of raisins.

Macadamia Nuts  have been known to cause vomiting, diarrhea, hind-leg weakness and temporary paralysis.

Pennies maybe seen as a treat; however, are 99 percent zinc. When the penny sits in the stomach, the zinc is dissolved and enters the bloodstream, where it causes severe anemia and kidney problems.

If your child winds up getting pennies in his treat bag, make sure pennies are secured in some sort of piggy bank.   

Candy Foil Wraps can cause intestinal problems, and are particularly dangerous to birds, which may be attracted to them.

Be sure your child's bag of treats is out of your pets' reach!

Beware of "Scary" Visitors

Costumes maybe all in good fun; but might frighten your pet.    Your pet could panic and bite or scratch trick-or-treaters. It's best to keep him in a secure room away from the door during peak trick-or-treating hours!

Jack O'Lanterns and Candles  can burn your curious pet or containers could be knocked over, starting a fire.

Electrical Cords snaking all over the place to power all those special effects can be tempting to chew.

It maybe fun to dress up your pet in his very own costume, but chances are he's not thrilled.  It's too easy for them to get frightened and injured.  Consider letting your pet go au naturale or donning a festive bandana.  To minimize chances of an accident, add reflective tape.  

The safest plan is to not bring your pet along for trick-or-treating. Even the best-trained pet can become spooked or aggressive in the noise and confusion of Halloween. Children you encounter may also be fearful of pets.

Beware of Mischievous Humans.   Bad people pose the most frightening threat of all.  Keep your outdoor pets safely contained to minimize the risk from pranks or other cruelty-related incidents.

IDs, please! Always make sure your pet has proper identification.

Nothing will put a damper on this event like a trip to the emergency room for your child or an emergency trip to the veterinary clinic for your pet.    Add to that the possibility of law enforcement being called due to a human/pet related bite or injury.     Involving your pet in this event just isn't worth the risk.   

Resources and References Used:    Petside.com / ASPCA / Halopets.com