Millions of dog owners have been issued a three week warning, as an expert has said a calendar event can be “surprisingly dangerous” for our pets.
Halloween is great for kids, and even many grown-ups, and it can be a breeze for dogs – fireworks aside. But there are some risks owners should be aware of ahead of October 31, which falls in just over three weeks’ time. Exerts at pet insurance company Waggel have shared some things to be avoided, and how we can keep our dogs safe this Halloween.
While pumpkins are a Halloween staple, they can be dangerous to dogs. Waggel CEO Andrew Leal said: “Domestic dogs can consume pumpkin in certain forms, ideally skinned and chopped, baked, or turned into puree. Pumpkin is actually a good source of fibre and trace elements, and it’s been found to aid doggy digestion.
“However, some parts of pumpkins are unsafe for our four-legged legends to chow-down on.” For small dogs and puppies of any breed, raw pumpkin skin can be a choking hazard. If swallowed, pumpkin skin can block the stomach and intestines, too.
Andrew continued: “Pumpkin stems and leaves are covered in tiny, prickly hairs. These can harm dogs, particularly puppies, because they can aggravate the mouth during mastication, the throat on the way down, and the stomach once swallowed.”
If there’s a chance a dog may try to eat the pumpkins you use this Halloween, then, you should get rid of the pumpkin stems and leaves first. If leaving the pumpkin intact is all part of the fun, when using them as candle-lit ghoulie heads, for example, make sure they are out of pets’ reach when doing so.
Other Halloween items are obviously not dog-friendly, too. Treat sweets, for example, and anything that includes sugar, spices, and artificial sweeteners are a no-no. These things can lead to gastrointestinal distress, pancreatitis, or worse.
Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, and garlic can all make dogs poorly, too. Andrew added “I suggest keeping pets away from all potentially harmful foods during Halloween.
“If your dog ingests unprepared pumpkin or any of the other goodies mentioned above – they may vomit. Keep an eye on them afterwards and be prepared for a possible trip to the vet.”
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