Halloween Candy & Your Pet

Halloween Candy & Your Pet: What To Do If They Get Into the Sweets

Halloween treats are tempting—even for our four-legged family members. Unfortunately, some candies and baked goods can be dangerous or even life-threatening for dogs and cats.

If your pet gets into Halloween candy, don’t wait for symptoms to appear. What you should do depends on what they ate, how much they ate, and your pet’s size and health.

Watch for These Commonly Dangerous Ingredients

Chocolate

The darker the chocolate, the greater the risk. Chocolate can cause vomiting, restlessness, abnormal heart rhythms, tremors, seizures, and other serious complications.

Xylitol

This sugar substitute can be found in some sugar-free candies, gum, baked goods, and other products. In dogs, even small amounts can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar and potentially liver injury.

Raisins & Grapes

These can cause potentially severe kidney injury in dogs. Even relatively small amounts can be concerning.

High-Fat or Rich Treats

Large amounts of candy, frosting, or other rich foods can cause significant gastrointestinal upset and may contribute to pancreatitis.

What Should You Do?

1. Remove access to the candy.

Make sure your pet cannot eat any more.

2. Save the packaging.

Keep the candy wrappers or ingredient list. Knowing exactly what your pet ate can help your veterinary team determine the appropriate next steps.

3. Figure out what—and how much—they ate.

If possible, note the type of candy, approximate amount, time of ingestion, and your pet’s current weight.

4. Contact a veterinarian promptly.

Some toxicities are much easier to treat when addressed early. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinary professional specifically instructs you to do so.

When in Doubt, Call Poison Control

If your pet has eaten chocolate, sugar-free candy, raisins/grapes, or an unknown amount of Halloween treats, contact animal poison control service for guidance at (888)426-4435.

If your pet is already showing signs such as repeated vomiting, weakness, tremors, seizures, collapse, difficulty breathing, or abnormal behavior, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.

At Evolution Veterinary Specialists, our emergency team is here when your pet needs urgent care at any hour of the day. You can reach us at 720-510-7707.

Keep the candy bowl for the humans and out of paws' reach!