With Halloween coming, the staff at the Animal Hospital of Unionville wants to make sure that you and your pets have a wonderful and safe time.
Every year, veterinarians in Markham see some of the following Halloween dangers. Please help prevent them:
Chocolate poisoning
Chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats. It is dose dependent. Small amounts cause hyper-excitability, vomiting, and diarrhea, while higher doses may lead to seizure, heart arrhythmias, and death. If you think your pet has ingested chocolate, call your veterinarian immediately. Please let us know how much and what kind of chocolate your pooch ate. We can then calculate whether it was a dangerous amount to worry about, or hopefully not.
Candy wrappers
Unfortunately vets in Markham see quite commonly pets that ate some candy wrappers. Some dogs rather eat the entire package instead of unwrapping the “treat”. Foil and cellophane can cause digestive upset or a life-threatening bowel obstruction.
Raisins Raisins (and grapes, too) are a serious danger to dogs. Even small amounts of these can cause kidney failure. Any ingestion of raisins or grapes is a serious concern. If you suspect ingestion, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Decorations
Decorations are not toys. Ribbons, fake spider webs, tinsel, and other decorative items can look like tasty toys to some pets. Ingestion can result in a bowel obstruction. Also be careful with glow sticks, which can cause irritation of the mouth if punctured. Just recently we removed a lot of gift ribbons… have a look at this on our facebook page.
And please play it safe for Trick-or-treaters
Some children are afraid of dogs or cats and many dogs want to show off, how well they can protect your house, by barking at the door when the bell rings. Please make sure your pooch is away safely when opening the door to hand out candy to those costumed cuties. Your pet might be sneaking out.
Keep cats indoors
Sadly, sometimes cats, especially black cats, become victims to Halloween related abuse. Please keep your cats indoors.
If you found this blog informative, please share it with your friends on Facebook.
Sincerely,
Your Care Team at the Animal Hospital of Unionville
Practicing Veterinary Medicine in Markham for a Long and Happy Life of ALL Your Pets.
Animal Hospital of Unionville, a veterinary clinic on the north side of Hwy 7, serving all pets in Markham, Richmond Hill, Scarborough, Stouffville, and North York since 1966. We are your family vets for dogs, cats, pocket pets (rabbits, chinchillas, gerbils, mice, rats, hamsters, guinea pigs, skinny pigs, etc.), ferrets, and birds (budgies, cockatiel, parrots, amazon, cockatoo, love birds, conures, African greys, finches, canaries, etc.).
Disclaimer: No part of this website constitutes medical advice. Readers are advised to consult with their veterinarian.
