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The Halloween holiday can be quite scary for pet parents. Besides the typical goblins and ghosts, Halloween exposes pets to some level of danger. Here are the most common pet emergencies you should watch out for during Halloween, along with safety guidelines.

Dogs are known for sneaking a couple of treats during Halloween, which results in pet emergencies. According to veterinarians, there are cases where dogs got into a backpack or bag and quickly ate all the contents, which included lots of candy. Chocolate candies are quite toxic to dogs and they can cause various symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, tremors, and heart arrhythmias. Raisins are also dangerous to dogs and they have the possibility of causing serious kidney damage, so make sure you arrange a quick ER visit if your dog consumes raisins or grapes.

The artificially sweetened candies may lack calories, but they are very toxic for dogs. Many dog owners know that eating chocolates is unhealthy for dogs, but most people don’t realize that Xylitol sweetened products are equally lethal. Xylitol, the common sugar alternative in lollipops, mints, gums and various other candies, can cause liver damage and hypoglycemia after consumption by dogs. If you think that your dog has eaten artificially sweetened candies, then take them immediately to the emergency center.

Even if your dogs or cats do not typically try to run away from home, the stress that they face during Halloween with the constant visitors and ringing doorbell could make them want to escape. Since you will likely open your door numerous times during Halloween, there are many chances for your pets to run away into the road where they could get into an accident. To avoid emergency room visits due to an injured pet, make sure you keep your pets in a comfortable, quiet room away from the door during Halloween.

Halloween pet costumes are a fun way of dressing up your dogs and cats. However, the truth is that most animals do not like being dressed up. If you cannot resist the urge to dress your pet up, then you should choose a lightweight costume that does not limit your pet’s breathing, vision, hearing or movement. The last thing you would want is having to go to the hospital because the costume choked your pet.

The other common reason for pet emergency visits during Halloween is intestinal or bowel obstructions. This problem occurs when your pet consumes some of the decorations like corn husks and pumpkin stems. Symptoms of gastrointestinal issues include diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, lethargy and declining to eat.

References: Pet MD, Pet Poison Hotline