Halloween candy can be lethal for your pets

The idea of Halloween is rather appealing. It’s fully legal and socially acceptable to assume a different identity. If you are underage, you can arrive uninvited on the doorsteps of total strangers and threaten to trick them if they don’t cough-up unhealthy treats.

Many dogs are happy to lurk in the shadows waiting to filch junk food that shocks their digestive systems.

A belly ache is unpleasant for dogs; chocolate consumption is potentially fatal. Whether they eat one piece or a whole bag, you have a medical emergency. Chocolate and cocoa products contain caffeine and methylxanthines, which humans handle.

More than its toxicity, chocolate tends to form a big, gooey, slowabsorbing ball in a dog’s stomach. Symptoms may not appear for 6-12 hours. Most vomit and have an increased thirst. Diarrhea, bloating and restlessness are common. Hyperactivity, excess urine output, staggering, tremors and seizures indicate real trouble. Dogs with advanced chocolate poisoning have rapid, abnormal heart rhythms, often leading to coma and death.

Ingestion of any amount of chocolate warrants immediate treatment, starting with medications to induce vomiting. Activated charcoal and stomach irrigation are essential to halt further absorption. Intravenous fluids and ECG monitoring are also important. Treatment for trembling, convulsions and abnormal heart rhythms are needed for the sickest dogs.

Less than 1 ounce of milk chocolate per pound of body weight is potentially lethal for dogs. Baking (unsweetened) chocolate is far more potent; 0.1 ounce per pound of body weight can cause seizures and death.

Territorial behavior and outright fear are common problems for a lot of dogs and many cats on the big night. The antianxiety gel, Sileo, can make life better in just 20 minutes.

Create safety for your pets in another room. A food dispensing toy stuffed with canned food can focus a cat’s or dog’s brain on healthy foraging behavior.

Each week Dr. Jeff Nichol makes a short video, blog or podcast to help bring out the best in pets. Sign up at no charge at drjeffnichol.com. Dr. Nichol treats behavior disorders at the Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Centers in Albuquerque and Santa Fe (505-792-5131). You can post pet behavioral or physical questions at facebook.com/ drjeffnichol or by mail to 4000 Montgomery NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109.