As families fill candy bowls and prepare for trick-or-treaters tonight, pet owners are being reminded that some of those treats can put a dog in serious danger.

Chocolate is the best-known threat. The darker and more bitter the chocolate, the greater the potential risk, and smaller dogs can be affected by smaller amounts.

But chocolate is not the only concern. Owners should also watch for sugar-free candy or gum containing xylitol, as well as treats with raisins or macadamia nuts. Candy wrappers can cause trouble too. If a dog swallows one, it can block the animal’s digestive system.

Signs that something is wrong vary depending on what a dog eats and how much it eats. Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, weakness, or more serious reactions.

The most effective protection is also the simplest, and it starts at home. Keep candy out of reach, and remind children not to share their treats with the family dog. No new rule or regulation is required, only a little attention from the people responsible for the pet.

If a dog does get into the candy, owners should contact a veterinarian or an animal poison control service right away. Be ready to tell them what the dog ate, approximately how much, the dog’s weight, and when it happened. Those details can help determine how serious the exposure may be.

The bottom line: Halloween treats are best left to humans. Keeping the candy bowl out of reach could save a pet owner an unwanted vet trip.

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