What to do When The Dog Eats Candy

Halloween is a time to celebrate childhood or connect with our alter ego. When it comes to Halloween candy, we often consider the safety of our children or that of neighborhood kids. But what about our dogs? Our furry family members need just as much care around this holiday as anyone. They can discover and sneak into the many stashes of candy they find around the house, the candy wrappers they find on the street, or even be given excess treats by well-meaning friends. Here, we’ll delve into the dangers of dog candy and explore what is – and is not – OK for your canine companion to eat. 

Types of Dangerous “Dog Candy” 

One trait that makes dogs so adorable is their curious nature. Our heart melts when they notice something new and their head tilts in questioning wonder, or when their tail wags excitedly as they sniff a mysterious object for the first time. Perhaps their bewilderment and stupor remind us of how we were as children, naturally awe-struck and inquisitive. Unfortunately, however, our dog’s curiosity can guide him in finding and eating dangerous, even deadly, “snacks.”
Here’s a breakdown of Halloween’s most common curiosities, and how to handle it if your pooch starts eating them: 

1. Glow Sticks
   Although you and I don’t think of glow sticks as “candy,” many dogs do. They don’t discriminate when it comes to edible and non-edible items, and this means, your pup might want to chew on or even eat those festive glow sticks, glow necklaces, and glow bracelets. To him, a glowing object might mean dog candy. If eaten, they can cause severe mouth discomfort and excessive drooling. 
2. Costumes
   Again, this is obviously not candy to you and me, but to your usually-smart canine, all those shiny buttons, zippers, beads, and clasps look quite delicious. Whether you dress your dog up in a costume or he is near costume-clad humans, be mindful of his interest in shiny objects and supervise him. Not only do the small parts of a costume pose a choking hazard, but they also may contain toxic dyes and metals. Dogs can experience lead poisoning if they ingest even a small amount. 
3. Candy Wrappers
   Toddlers and young children can leave a trail of wrappers on the street, sidewalk, or in the house. Ensure your dog does not eat these appetizing pieces of trash which, to him, are simply dog candy. Wrappers can become stuck in his digestive system, especially in his bowels. Symptoms that he may have eaten a wrapper include vomiting, lethargy, and difficulty passing a bowel movement. Candy wrappers that clog up his bowels can be life-threatening. 
4. Hard Candy
   You know that hard candy is meant to melt in your mouth and be enjoyed for a while, but your furbaby does not understand this. Hard candy can cause him to choke. The smaller your dog, the more narrow his throat, and the greater the risk. 
5. Lollipops
   As with hard candy, lollipops pose a serious choking hazard to dogs. Never permit your dog to lick a lollipop, because it will train him that they are OK to eat, when in fact, a whole lollipop can hurt – or even kill – him. 
6. Candy Corn
   Candy corn is everywhere during the Halloween season, so keep a watchful eye that your best friend does not find any. It can cause vomiting and diarrhea if he gets into it. 
7. Raisins
   When people prefer to hand out healthy treats on Halloween rather than traditional sugary snacks, they often opt for those little boxes of raisins. If your dog eats a box, or if he ingests any raisins at all, even a small amount, he could die. Raisins cause kidney failure in canines, so be sure to keep your pet away from raisins at all times. 
8. Chocolate
   Chocolate is toxic to dogs. Never permit your pup to eat chocolate of any kind.  (1, 2) 

What to Do If Your Dog Eats Halloween Candy

If your beloved dog has eaten any of the above objects or snacks, you can address it in the three following ways:

1. Call your vet immediately.
   Keep your vet’s phone number posted on your refrigerator and saved in your contacts. 
2. Take your dog to the closest emergency vet clinic.
   A dog hospital can give him X-rays, pump his stomach, or treat him in other ways. 
3. Call the Pet Poison Helpline
   Call 855-764-7661 for additional advice. 

The sooner you get your pooch medical help, the better his prognosis. (3)

Dog Sugar Concerns 

Excess sugar is bad for our health, and it’s also bad for your dog’s health. If your pup eats sugary snacks like ice cream, it can cause obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, stomach aches, diarrhea, and vomiting. (4)

Artificial sweeteners, like xylitol, are poisonous for dogs. Unfortunately, Xylitol is in more of your products than you may realize, from toothpaste to gum. Read the ingredients on your snacks and bathroom products, and avoid keeping anything with xylitol in your house. Even a small amount is toxic to your dog!  (5)

Dog Chocolate Concerns 

Even if your pooch looks up at you with those sweet shiny begging eyes when you eat chocolate, resist the temptation to give him even a crumb. Caffeine and theobromine found in chocolate will can your pup very ill, causing seizures, hyperactivity, stomach issues, and more. The more chocolate your pup eats, the more dangerous the effects. (6)

Dog Holiday Considerations

Holidays, from Halloween to Thanksgiving and the winter holidays, allow us to celebrate togetherness and family. Our dogs are an integral part of the connection, joy, and warmth we feel when we hand out Halloween treats or sit around a festive dinner table. So, remember canine safety for every holiday. Keep a watchful eye on your furbabies, ensure they don’t eat any dangerous objects or foods, and get immediate medical assistance should they eat any poisonous “snacks.” 

Sources: 

1. https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/pet-owners/seasons/halloween/
2. https://www.petmd.com/dog/slideshows/these-6-halloween-candies-top-list-dangerous-foods-dogs?view_all=1
3. https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/pet-owners/emergency/
4. https://www.petmd.com/dog/slideshows/6-reasons-why-your-dog-shouldnt-have-sugar
5. https://www.petmd.com/dog/emergency/poisoning-toxicity/6-dangerous-and-surprising-items-contain-xylitol
6. https://www.petmd.com/blogs/nutritionnuggets/jcoates/2012/mar/how_chocolate_makes_dogs_sick-13665