One more important safety tip for dogs at Halloween time


Posted on Oct 29, 2009
By Julia Szabo

The Halloween season is lots of fun, with lots of opportunities to see dogs in cute costumes. But this time of year also poses a few dangers to dogs.

Please remember to keep chocolate candies out of Spot's reach, as chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. Some dogs are so attracted to the smell and flavor of chocolate that they even try to wolf down empty chocolate wrappers, so be please also careful about discarding those where Spot can't accidentally ingest them.

Here's another seasonal danger to dogs: acorns. At this time of year, streets, parks, and backyards are paved with the leaves and seeds of the oak tree, whose seeds are protected by a hard shell (that's the acorn). Dogs are opportunistic omnivores, so the abundance of acorns tempts many curious canines to nibble at them. While the leaves pose no danger, the acorns definitely do; the tannin they contain is toxic to dogs, causing vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and, in some cases, liver or kidney failure.

Rainy, windy weather causes even more acorns to fall to the ground, so keep an eye on your dog while outdoors, to prevent him from scooping up these toxic tidbits, which are especially attractive to teething, curious puppies. Also, if you keep a water bowl outside for your dog, be sure to keep it clear of acorns, so the tannin won't leach into the water. Sometimes, symptoms of oak toxicity don't manifest until days after the dog has ingested the acorns. If you suspect your dog may have ingested acorns, consult your veterinarian or the ASPCA's excellent poison control center without delay.

For more tips on what dogs shouldn't eat, go here.

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