Halloween Warning: Watch Out for Toxic Treats

Halloween may be all treats for children, but for our four-legged friends, it can be full of tricks. The Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons (ARF Hamptons) is reminding pet owners that chocolate, sugar-free candy, raisins, and increasingly common THC gummies can pose serious, even life-threatening risks to dogs and cats.

And as one ARF shelter dog recently discovered, the danger isn't always lurking in the candy bowl.

Earlier this fall, Gumbo, an ARF shelter dog, was enjoying a walk through Sag Harbor with a volunteer when he apparently picked up and swallowed a discarded gummy from the street. Soon afterward, Gumbo began showing alarming symptoms, including loss of muscle coordination and an unusually slow heart rate. He was rushed to an emergency veterinarian for treatment.

Fortunately, Gumbo made a full recovery. But his frightening experience highlights a growing concern: cannabis edibles, often packaged to resemble ordinary candy, can be especially dangerous to pets. And they don't have to be left within reach at home to pose a threat.

"We all know to keep chocolate away from our dogs, but Gumbo's experience was a wake-up call," said Kim Nichols, Executive Director of ARF Hamptons. "He was simply out enjoying a walk when he encountered something that made him seriously ill. It only takes a moment for a curious dog to pick something up off the sidewalk. We're sharing his story because we want other pet owners to recognize the danger before it becomes an emergency."

Know the Warning Signs

Petowners should watch for the following potential signs of toxicity:

·        Chocolate: Vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, increased heart rate,tremors or seizures. Dark and baking chocolate are especially dangerous.

·        Sugar free candy: Products containing xylitol can cause a dangerous drop inblood sugar in dogs, as well as possible liver damage. Symptoms includeweakness, difficulty walking, collapse and seizures.

·        Raisins and grapes: Can cause acute kidney injury in dogs. Symptoms may includevomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy and changes in urination. Even smallamounts can be dangerous.

·        THC gummies and cannabis edibles: May cause unusual sleepiness, disorientation, loss ofcoordination, difficulty walking, urinary dribbling, tremors and, in severecases, seizures or breathing difficulties.

Symptomsmay be delayed, so pet owners should never wait for signs of illness ifingestion is suspected.

A Few Simple Precautions Can Save a Life

With Halloween approaching, ARF recommends keeping all candy and cannabis products securely stored and out of pets' reach. Children's trick-or-treat bags should be placed where curious noses and pawscan't find them, and candy wrappers should be disposed of in secure trash containers.

On walks, pay close attention to what yourdog is sniffing or attempting to eat, particularly in areas where discardedcandy or other treats may be found.

Most importantly, if you suspect your pet hasingested chocolate, xylitol, raisins, THC, or any unknown substance, contactyour veterinarian or an emergency veterinary hospital immediately. Do not waitfor symptoms to appear or attempt to induce vomiting without veterinaryguidance.

Gumbo's story has a happy ending, but notevery pet is so fortunate.

"Halloween should be fun for the wholefamily, including our pets," Nichols added. "A little extravigilance, both at home and on our walks, can make all the difference. Gumbocertainly gave us a scare, and we're very grateful he's back to his happyself."

Witha little extra care and awareness, the community can help ensure Halloween issafe for every member of the family, including our four-legged friends.