Information on Halloween Chocolate and Candies from Our Columbus Veterinary Hospital

When you're in need of a Columbus animal hospital you can trust our veterinarians with your pet's health and wellness needs and you can always rely on Hamilton Road Animal Hospital. And with chocolates and candies gathered from Halloween trick or treating, we've got a few last-minute tips on keeping your furry friends safe.

Chocolate and Halloween Candy Dangers for Dogs and Cats

What many pet owners sadly don't realize is that chocolate and certain types of Halloween candy can actually be toxic to pets. Specifically, chocolate poisoning occurs when a natural stimulant known found in chocolate (known as theobromine) reacts to cause nausea, restlessness, diarrhea, and vomiting in dogs and cats.

This same ingredient can be found in many Halloween candies and is most dangerous in smaller pets. However, pets of all sizes can be affected by chocolate poisoning and, in some cases, it can even be deadly.

What to Do if Your Pet Ingests Chocolate or Candy

If you know your pet has ingested any amount of chocolate or Halloween candy, you should contact a veterinarian immediately. Most likely, vomiting will be induced and activated charcoal will be used to prevent the absorption of theobromine into your pet's bloodstream.

Even if you're not sure your pet has ingested chocolate/candy but is displaying symptoms, it's in your pet's best interest to see your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Protecting Your Pets

The best way to protect your pet is to never feed Halloween candy or chocolate to dogs and cats. Furthermore, if you have any Halloween candy or chocolate in your household, be sure to keep it well out-of-reach of your pets, such as in a closed and locked cabinet or pantry, to reduce all risks. And of course, keep an eye out for any symptoms of poisoning, no matter how careful you've been.

Contact Our Columbus Veterinarians at Hamilton Road Animal Hospital

If your pet displays any signs of problems after Halloween, be sure to contact our veterinary team for further assistance at Hamilton Road Animal Hospital. You can reach our office at (614) 239-0027.

What steps will you take to protect your pets this Halloween?