I love Halloween. Sadly, tonight I am working at the veterinary emergency hospital. And I already know what the night is going to bring. People and dogs are very predictable.
People will leave Halloween candy unattended, in many cases just for a moment. Dogs will pounce upon and devour the candy, wrappers and all. I see the consequences of this every year, time and time again.
Fortunately, most Halloween candy contains milk chocolate (click the link to learn more about chocolate toxicity in dogs)–one of the least dangerous types. And many seasonal treats are made mostly of nougat, which isn’t technically toxic. The wrappers generally are harmless.
But any dog that eats enough Halloween candy is at risk of more than chocolate toxicity or an upset stomach. Each year I treat several dogs for pancreatitis after they devour a stash of sugary treats.
Pancreatitis is a life-threatening inflammation of an organ that is involved in the digestion of food. Dogs who recover from pancreatitis are at increased risk of diabetes later in life.
Have fun this Halloween. But watch the dog!
Share this entry with your pawple anywhere:
The end of human dinner time tomorrow marks the start of a very dangerous period for the dogs of America.
People, exhausted and bloated, will retire to sofas and armchairs across the country. Dogs will devour unattended turkey carcasses, ransack garbage cans (compost bins in northern California), gobble up giblets, stuff themselves with stuffing, lap up gravy, pilfer pumpkin pie and help themselves to whatever leftovers they can get their paws on.
Dogs that engage in these sorts of activities aren’t bad dogs. They are simply doing what dogs do.
However, many dogs will pay a price for their dietary indiscretion. Some will suffer from transient diarrhea or vomiting as their systems react to rich Thanksgiving food. Others may suffer more serious consequences. Some dogs will develop pancreatitis, a life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas. Others may consume turkey bones and develop intestinal obstructions–these dogs will require major abdominal surgery to survive.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Enjoy your day. But don’t leave your leftovers unattended, and don’t let your dog have access to the garbage. This will help to ensure a happy and safe turkey day for all members of the family!
Photo credit: Stu Spivak. Photo license: CC.
Share this entry with your pawple anywhere:
I love Halloween. Sadly, tonight I am working at the veterinary emergency hospital. And I already know what the night is going to bring. People and dogs are very predictable.
You have questions. 