28/10/2024
Today’s Halloween post is going to be about awareness of all the common toxicities vets see around the spooky season! 🎃
Chocolate: 🍫
Most people are aware that chocolate is toxic for our pets. The darker the chocolate, the smaller amount needed to cause damage, with cocoa powder being the most toxic. Chocolate is unfortunately just as yummy to our pets as it is for us! But if eaten in toxic amounts it can cause tummy issues, muscle tremors, seizures, arrhythmia and heart attack.
Xylitol: 🍬
This is a type of artificial sweetener than can be found in some sweets or baked goods. This is particularly dangerous as it is absorbed very quickly into their bloodstream, causing a very potent release of insulin. This then causes a profound drop in blood glucose. It can also cause seizures and liver failure, if left untreated this can be fatal 😔. This may also be listed as birch sugar.
Grapes or raisins: 🍇
Grapes and raisins are incredibly toxic to dogs. If ingested, they can cause kidney failure. They are tricky as dogs can develop an idiosyncratic reaction to these, which means any amount can be potentially toxic. Due to this veterinarians will class any amount of these eaten as a toxic dose to be treated.
Decorations: 👻
If you suspect your pet may have ingested a decorative item there is always a chance of intestinal blockage. Some may be treated quickly by just making your pet throw up the item!
If you suspect your furry friend has ingested any of these items during the spooky season don’t hesitate to give us or one of our out of hours services (Vets Now Salisbury or Medivet Poole) a call to discuss treatment options.
