Halloween Pet Safety

Keep your dogs and cats safe on Halloween by securing all candy out of reach and keeping pets in a quiet, indoor room away from trick-or-treaters. 

Do keep candy stashed away in high or closed cabinets. Chocolate, raisins, and sugar-free items with xylitol are toxic to pets.

set up a quiet, secure room for your pet during peak trick-or-treating hours to lower their stress from doorbells and costumed strangers.

Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs, causing rapid, life-threatening low blood sugar and liver failure, but studies show it does not affect cats

Effects on Dogs

• Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia): Occurs within 10 to 60 minutes of ingestion because xylitol triggers a massive insulin release in dogs.
• Liver Failure: Can occur within 24 to 48 hours at higher doses, leading to severe injury or death.
• Symptoms: Include vomiting, weakness, staggering, shaking, seizures, and collapse. [

effects on Cats

• No Toxicity: Research and clinical observations show that cats do not experience hypoglycemia or acute liver failure from oral xylitol.
• Behavioral Factor: Cats also lack a sweet tooth, making accidental ingestion very rare. [

Common Sources

• Sugar-free gum, mints, and candies
• Baked goods and "skinny" or sugar-free ice creams
• Certain brands of peanut butter
• Human toothpaste, mouthwash, and some medications or vitamins 

What to Do in an EmergencyIf you think your dog ate xylitol, take them to an emergency veterinary hospital immediately and bring the product packaging. You can also contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888-426-4435) or the Pet Poison Helpline at (800-213-6680)]If you suspect your dog has eaten something containing xylitol, please let me know:

• How much they might have eaten
• How long ago the ingestion happened
• Their approximate weight