Halloween Treats – Chocolate, Xylitol, and Candy Hazards in Your Pets

The Collaborative Vet Podcast - Michael Dr.T Tokiwa

Halloween candy might be delightful for us, but it can be extremely dangerous for pets. In this segment, we’ll explain why chocolate and xylitol, a common sugar substitute in sugar-free candies, can pose severe health risks. Chocolate toxicity varies by type, with dark and baking chocolates being the most dangerous, leading to symptoms ranging from vomiting to heart complications. Xylitol, meanwhile, can cause a life-threatening drop in blood sugar and liver failure in dogs. We’ll discuss symptoms to watch for if your pet accidentally ingests these substances and what steps to take if that happens. Additionally, candy wrappers can create choking or blockage hazards if swallowed, so we’ll give some tips on pet-proofing your candy stash to avoid any Halloween mishaps.