29 October 2023 , 12:00
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Dog owners have been warned about dangerous Halloween food that could harm pets.
They say some foods which are popular around the time of year could cost dog owners £200 and an emergency visit to the vet. Pumpkin carving is part of the Halloween tradition. But food containing the fruit can cause serious damage to your pet if if eaten. Pumpkin pie fillings, blends, and mixes can make your dog ill as can contain nutmeg and cinnamon, which are toxic to dogs. Ultimately it could spark an emergency out-of-hours trip to the vet which has an average cost of £200
Other foods which can cause your pet to have reactions include chocolate which is known to be highly toxic for dogs (Getty Images)Experts at Howden Insurance say you can avoid any Halloween horrors for your pet plus a costly vet bill. A spokesman for the firm said: “Dogs can eat pumpkin, and it’s even recommended for their diet as it is a good source of fibre, iron, potassium, carotene, and vitamin A, and it aids digestion. "Unsweetened pumpkin puree, canned or baked pumpkin should be fine for pups to eat. But some pumpkin parts and products are unsafe.”
Seeds from a pumpkin, although edible, can cause a choking hazard for small animals, Instead, vets recommend seeds be cleaned, peeled, roasted, and ground before being fed to a dog. The skin of the fruit can also cause choking and gut obstruction and should be removed before feeding. other parts such as the stem or leaves are also harmful to young dogs as they are covered in prickly hairs which can cause mouth, throat, and stomach irritation. A seasonal alternative is fresh apples which are fine to feed to dogs.
Some foods served at Halloween can be dangerous for dogs (Getty Images)There are other Halloween foods which can cause reactions to your pet including chocolate which is known to be highly toxic for dogs. Owners should not not to drop any on the floor or leave any trace of it or dogs could eat it. Grapes and raisins, meanwhile, can lead to to kidney failure in dogs so ensure your dog is nowhere near them
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Other foods which owners need to be careful of are onions and garlic which can damage a dog's red blood cells and cause anaemia. Xylitol is another dangerous ingredient which is often in Halloween foods. According to Preventive Vet, there are over 700 products that contain the artificial sweetener which is extremely toxic to dogs. It is found in baked goods, some nut butter, and sugar-free sweets, all typical during Halloween. Experts recommend always reading labels carefully and consulting your vet before making any significant changes to your dog’s diet.
Pumpkins can cause issues for dogs including causing choking (Getty Images)Strange foods, people dressing up and strangers coming into your home coupled with loud bangs from fireworks around Bonfire night can make this time of year terrifying for pets. A spokesperson from Howden Insurance said: “Halloween and Bonfire Night can be scary and really upsetting for dogs and their owners. With these tips, owners can help keep their dogs safe and calm while enjoying the festivities.”