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It is getting getting close to Halloween here in Roswell, GA. This can only mean one thing...the candy is flying off the shelves and the number of vet visits to the ER for candy ingestion will be on the rise. I worked for over 8 years at an Atlanta area referral hospital, so I have had my fair share of candy ingestions(more like hundreds!!). I have seen anything from dogs ingesting entire bags of chocolate to cats vomiting after a game of M & M's paw hockey...winner gets to eat all the pucks.

It is widely known that things like chocolate, raisins, grapes, and sugar-free candy can be extremely toxic to pets. Especially, if eaten in a large quantity. But this is not always the case. It depends on both the concentration and form of toxic compound in the candy to determine its ultimate toxic effect to the pet. And just like a child with candy. The size of the pet does not matter, they will try and eat as much candy as possible and as fast as possible. So, my goal as veterinarian at Chattahoochee Animal Clinic, is to educate my pet parents and keep their furry children out of the hospital. 

Candies, gums, mints, baked goods, and chocolate containing the "sugar free" sweetener xylitol are especially poisonous.

Chocolate is toxic to pets. Now, granted a 50 pound dog would have to eat about 50 ounces of milk chocolate (but only 5 ounces of baking chocolate) for a toxic dose, but much smaller amounts can cause vomiting and diarrhea.

Signs of chocolate toxicity include tremors, nervousness, vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, and in severe cases, seizures and death. If you suspect that your pet has eaten chocolate, call me at Chattahoochee Animal Clinic. There are some treatments that I may recommend prior to coming in for veterinary care.

Other candies, such as lollipops and those with plastic components, pose a danger if ingested. Lollipop sticks and plastic parts can cause intestinal obstruction and potentially rupture the intestines, which is a life-threatening emergency.

I want this Halloween to be an enjoyable experience for the parents, children, and pets. Lets take steps to avoid having that lovely melted chocolate, carpet staining vomit off the floor this candy season. It starts with educating the children and diligence in candy storage. Remember, our pets possess a keen sense of smell, so just putting it on the counter, "out of reach" is not good enough. Place in a high cabinet, high level of the pantry, or in a closed drawer. Do not put candy out in dishes around the house. During the night of halloween, keep a close eye on the candy bowl, or put the pets up for the night in the bedroom. Sometimes that is your best bet, as a door bell ringing nonstop is quite stressfull to a dog or cat. If you are worried about Halloween night, then board your cat or dog at our clinic. Chattahoochee Animal Clinic has a veterinary supervised boarding facility. And lastly, when your kids(or yourselves) dive into the candy bounty, be sure to dispose of all wrappers and open candy on the table, not on the floor. These are easy to do steps that will hopefully allow you to avoid that trip to the local veterinary emergency room.

However, if you are one of the unlucky pet parents that has a cat or dog that just could not resist, our door is always open to helping you treat your pet for this ingestion and potential toxicity.      -Dr. Marcus Smith

NOW ON TO THE FUN STUFF....OUR FACEBOOK CONTEST THIS OCTOBER!!