Mounds Ask the Vet October 2014

One of my favorite holidays is right around the corner – Halloween!

While I’m not a fan of the cooler weather, I do enjoy the celebrations this time of year. What fun it is to see the neighborhood children excited in their costumes coming up to our house in search of that perfect Halloween treat! But, this annual ritual of fall also prompts me to take a step back and think about the things that may impact our four-legged friends:

While we all know the dangers of chocolate, there are a few more treats you want to make sure your pets do not have access too. Many sugar-free gums contain a chemical called Xylitol and while harmless to humans, it causes a dangerous drop in blood sugars in our canine companions.

Some health conscious home owners may give out healthier treats such as raisins, to the wave of would be tricksters. Raisins, even in very small amounts, can lead to liver and kidney failure in some dogs. We don’t know why it affects some but not all dogs. It is best to avoid all raisins and grapes for dogs and cats, even if they have eaten them before and not had a problem.

Another concern may be the decorations that we use to make our houses look fun and spooky. Jack- O-Lanterns have to have a
candle inside of them to complete the effect but even small flames can do some damage to curious puppies and kittens that get too
close. Fake spider webs are a real hazard for curious cats. Ingestion could lead to emergency surgery to remove the fake webbing from their stomach days after ingestion.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom! A little pumpkin as a treat to your cat or dog is just fine. Pumpkin is great source of fiber and some animals really do enjoy the taste. Just remember, as with any dietary supplement, only go with small amounts and contact your veterinarian if you aren’t sure if your pet can tolerate the change in diet.

Happy Halloween!
Dr. Carla Christman • Healthy Pet Veterinary Clinic