As Halloween draws near, it’s time to stock up on festive goodies, but be warned: not all treats are safe for your furry friends.
This spooky season, the team at Tiger.co.uk, specialists in pet insurance, are highlighting the importance of keeping certain popular treats out of pets’ reach.
Chocolates, pumpkins, and apples, staples of the season, could pose a risk to your pets’ health. Additionally, with social gatherings aplenty, it’s crucial to ensure that alcohol is kept away from animals, as it can lead to severe health complications if ingested.
Tiger.co.uk’s savings guru and managing director, Ian Wilson, commented: “For a lot of us, Halloween is a great opportunity for a get together and a chance to indulge in some festive treats.”
“When hosting a busy party, it can be tricky to make sure pets are monitored and kept safely away from potential dangers – especially with noisy fireworks outside throughout Halloween, most people would likely opt to have their pets indoors to help ease any anxiety,” reports the Mirror.
Ian emphasised the need for vigilance: “That’s why we are urging pet owners to be extra vigilant this Halloween and think now about planning for their furry friends.
“Feeding pets human food can have serious health consequences, so it’s important to research before feeding dogs anything new and perhaps keep the pup somewhere separate from the party when the food is served, to help keep them safe and avoid other people unknowingly feeding the pup something dangerous.”
The list of foods to watch out for includes:
Pumpkin
Pumpkin skin can pose a choking risk and potentially obstruct your pet’s intestines. The stem and leaves of a pumpkin may also irritate their mouths and throats.
Alcohol
If you’re throwing a Halloween bash, ensure that any alcohol is kept well out of reach of your four-legged companions. Alcohol can induce vomiting, breathing difficulties, tremors, and reduced coordination, and can even be lethal to animals.
If you suspect your pet has ingested any alcohol, contact your vet immediately.
Salty crisps
Be cautious about leaving bowls of salty snacks like popcorn, crisps and pretzels around your home if there’s a chance pets could consume them. High salt intake could lead to sodium ion poisoning in pets, with symptoms such as vomiting, tremors and seizures.
Chocolate
Chocolate contains a compound known as theobromine, which is poisonous to cats and dogs. The most common indications that your pet has eaten chocolate include vomiting, diarrhoea, panting or restlessness.
Ensure all Halloween sweets are kept at a safe distance from your pets.
Apple cores
While apple skin isn’t harmful for pets, the cores and their seeds can present a choking risk and may even cause stomach upset. If you’re participating in bobbing for apples this spooky season, make sure to dispose of the apples properly afterwards.