Is Halloween Candy Dangerous for Dogs? What to Watch For

Some of it is. Plain sugar mostly causes an upset stomach, but a few common ingredients are truly toxic to dogs: chocolate, xylitol and raisins. Wrappers and lollipop sticks can also cause choking or a blocked gut. The smaller the dog, the less it takes to cause trouble.

Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which dogs break down very slowly. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are the most dangerous, milk chocolate less so, and white chocolate has very little. Signs usually start within 6 to 12 hours: vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, panting, a racing heart, shaking and, in bad cases, seizures. A few squares of dark chocolate can be serious for a small dog.

Xylitol (sometimes listed as birch sugar) is a sweetener in sugar-free gum, sugar-free candy, some mints and even some peanut butters. In dogs it causes a sudden drop in blood sugar, often within 10 to 60 minutes, and larger amounts can damage the liver. Signs include weakness, wobbling, vomiting and collapse. Treat any xylitol snack as an emergency. Check labels on anything "sugar-free" in the house.

Yes. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in some dogs, and there is no known safe amount. Chocolate-covered raisins combine two risks in one bite. Keep trail mixes, raisin boxes and mixed candy bags well out of reach.

They can. Dogs often swallow candy wrapper and all. Foil and plastic wrappers, lollipop sticks and small toys can cause choking, or get stuck in the stomach or intestines. Watch for vomiting, a swollen belly, straining, not eating or not pooping, and call your vet if you see them after a candy raid.

Most cats don't care for sweets, but chocolate is toxic to cats too, and cats love to bat at wrappers, ribbons and glow sticks. Glow stick liquid tastes bitter and makes cats drool and foam at the mouth. It is usually not seriously toxic, but rinse the mouth gently and call your vet if your cat seems unwell.

1. Take the candy away and keep the wrappers so you know what was eaten and roughly how much.
2. Call your vet or an animal poison line right away, even if your dog seems fine: ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661. A consultation fee may apply.
3. Don't make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.
4. Have your dog's weight ready. The risk depends on how much was eaten compared to body size.

• Dog treats made for dogs, in small amounts
• A spoonful of plain canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
• Small pieces of apple without the core or seeds
• Frozen dog-safe treats in a pumpkin-shaped mold

Keep the candy bowl high up, ask kids not to share, and give your dog a quiet room away from the front door while trick-or-treaters come and go.

Extra treats, even dog-safe ones, mean more food stuck on the teeth and more plaque. That's when breath starts to smell. A quick daily routine keeps it in check: our guide why does my dog's breath smell so bad explains the causes, and how to clean your dog's teeth without brushing covers the easy options.