These Halloween treats could be toxic to pets

Pet owners have been warned popular Halloween treats could be harmful to their four-legged friends. 

This spooky season, pet insurance experts from Tiger.co.uk are urging people to be on their guard for potentially poisonous family favourites.

Seasonal treats like chocolate, pumpkins and apples can all cause harm to pets.

Halloween party hosts and guests are also urged to keep alcohol out of reach, as accidental consumption can cause serious health issues. 

With many planning to host friends and family over the spooky season, pet owners are being urged to be on their guard.

Ian Wilson, savings expert and Managing Director at Tiger.co.uk said: “For a lot of us, Halloween is a great opportunity for a get together and a chance to indulge in some festive treats.

“When hosting a busy party, it can be tricky to make sure pets are monitored and kept safely away from potential dangers – especially with noisy fireworks outside throughout Halloween, most people would likely opt to have their pets indoors to help ease any anxiety. 

“That’s why we are urging pet owners to be extra vigilant this Halloween and think about planning for their furry friends.

“Common Halloween foods like apple cores, pumpkin skin, chocolate and alcohol can all be harmful if ingested by pets.  Even salty snacks can cause concern – so best to keep all party food in a spot pets won’t be able to reach.

“Feeding pets human food can have serious health consequences, so it’s important to research before feeding dogs anything new and perhaps keep the pup somewhere separate from the party when the food is served, to help keep them safe and avoid other people unknowingly feeding the pup something dangerous.”

Tiger Tips – Top foods to protect your pet from this Halloween:

1.Pumpkin 

Pumpkin skin can cause a choking hazard and may block your pet’s intestines. The stem and leaves of a pumpkin can also be irritable to their mouths and throat. 

2.Alcohol 

If you are hosting a Halloween party for friends and families, make sure to keep any alcoholic drinks up high and out of reach of your furry friends. Alcohol can cause vomiting, breathing issues, tremors, and decreased coordination. Consumption could even be fatal, so make sure to contact your vet immediately if you suspect your pet has ingested any alcohol. 

3.Salty crisps

If you are hosting a group of family or friends for the party season – make sure to avoid leaving out bowls of salty snacks like popcorn, crisps and pretzels where pets could grab them. Large amounts of salt could cause sodium ion poisoning in pets, with symptoms like vomiting, tremors and seizures. 

4.Chocolate

Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine, which is toxic to cats and dogs. The most common signs your pet has ingested chocolate include vomiting, diarrhoea, panting or restlessness. Make sure to keep all Halloween treats at a safe distance from your pets. 

5.Apple cores 

If you are bobbing for apples this Halloween, be careful to keep the apples away from pets. While the flesh of apples isn’t problematic, the seeds can be a choking hazard and may even cause an stomach upset. 

Tiger.co.uk helps people compare and find real savings on everything from car and home to pet insurance.

This article is intended as generic information only and is not intended to apply to anybody’s specific circumstances, demands or needs. The views expressed are not intended to provide any financial service or to give any recommendation or advice. Products and services are only mentioned for illustrative rather than promotional purposes.