Ahead of Halloween, ASPCA Lists Five Threats to Pets: Xylitol and Chocolate Top the List
With Halloween falling on October 31, the ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) has released its list of the top five threats the holiday poses to pets. "Many of our favorite Halloween traditions could pose a potential threat to our companion animals," says Dr. Camille DeClementi, senior toxicologist at the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center.
First, sweets. Several popular Halloween treats are toxic to pets, especially candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol, which can be poisonous to dogs: even small amounts can cause a sudden drop in a dog's blood sugar, leading to lack of coordination, seizures and depression. "Chocolate, especially baker's and dark chocolate, can also be potentially poisonous to animals, especially dogs," DeClementi advises; symptoms of significant chocolate ingestion may include vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, increased thirst and urination, heart rhythm abnormalities, and even seizures. Second, costumes: a pet's costume must not limit its movement, hearing, sight or ability to breathe, bark, eat, drink or eliminate, and should be checked for choking hazards — a simple festive bandanna is a smarter alternative. Third, wrappers: cats love to play with candy wrappers, but ingesting aluminum foil or cellophane can cause intestinal blockage and vomiting.
Fourth, trick-or-treating itself. The ASPCA advises keeping pets in a room away from the excitement at the front door during trick-or-treating hours. "Halloween brings a flurry of activity with visitors constantly arriving at the door, and pets can easily slip out unnoticed," says Gail Buchwald, senior vice president of the ASPCA Adoption Center; a collar with ID tags and a microchip greatly increase the chances of a lost pet being returned. Fifth, decorations: candles in jack-o'-lanterns can be knocked over by pets and start a fire, and curious kittens are particularly at risk of burns; wires and cords from decorations, if chewed, can damage a pet's mouth or deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock. Pumpkins themselves are relatively non-toxic but can cause stomach upset if nibbled.
Owners whose dog or cat ingests a potentially harmful product can consult a veterinarian or call the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435; a fee applies.
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 家养法国斗牛犬，Nenad Stojkovic摄，CC BY 2.0（Wikimedia Commons）；A pet French Bulldog at home, photo by Nenad Stojkovic, CC BY 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
