It’s Halloween, which means millions of Brits nationwide will be preparing for the annual spooky celebrations by shopping for fancy dress outfits and tasty snacks.

While this time of year might be fun for humans, increased exposure to sweets and chocolate can make it dangerous for dogs.

A survey by InsureYourPaws shows almost one in five dogs (19%) have eaten chocolate, and 14% have consumed sweets intended for humans. Meanwhile, the Association of British Insurers says that treating a pet that has eaten something it shouldn’t can cost around £4,000.

More than a quarter of Brits (28%) hand out sweets to trick-or-treaters, and many leave bowls of treats by the front door, within easy reach of inquisitive pups.

Why are chocolate and sweets harmful for dogs?

Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, stimulants that humans process easily, but dogs break down very slowly, which build up in the body. Consuming even a small amount can result in vomiting, diarrhoea, restlessness, and a racing heart, and in severe cases, tremors, seizures, and, in a small percentage of cases, death.

Sweets can also be harmful. Sugar-free sweets commonly contain xylitol, which is a sweetener that can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar and even liver failure in dogs. And consuming a large amount of sugary, fatty treats can trigger pancreatitis, a painful inflammation of the pancreas. Plus, wrappers and lollipop sticks can cause choking or blockages in the gut.

Are there any other foods that they should avoid this Autumn?

While chocolate and sweets are common triggers for poorly pups around Halloween, a few lesser-known autumnal foods can also be dangerous for dogs at this time of year.

For example, raisins are commonly found in autumn bakes that many owners underestimate. The PDSA says that grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants are potentially poisonous. Worryingly, the exact cause still isn’t fully understood, but even small amounts can make some dogs very poorly and, in serious cases, cause kidney failure.

Here are some Halloween-themed foods you can give your dog instead:

Pumpkin

There’s no shortage of pumpkins at Halloween, which, in addition to making spooktacular decorations, can double up as a tasty, nutritious treat for your dog. However, avoid giving them raw pumpkin, leftover pumpkin pie, or seasoned pumpkin, as this can cause digestive problems or contain toxic ingredients like nutmeg.  Instead, plain, cooked pumpkin and plain, unsweetened canned pumpkin are rich in fibre and other nutrients that support digestion.

Sweet potato

A classic autumn vegetable often found in human recipes for roasting, baking and soups, sweet potato is also full of goodness for your pups. It’s low in calories and is best served cooked, so it’s easier to digest – and soft on their gums.

Apples

Offer them a few slices of apple with the core and seeds removed. Apples are a crunchy, low-fat source of fibre and vitamins that taste deliciously sweet. 

Add a spoonful of peanut butter, a good source of protein and healthy fats, for an occasional treat. However, be cautious, as a small number of products may contain the sugar substitute xylitol, which may be listed as wood sugar, birch sugar, or E967 on the label.

Alternatively, for a ready-made option, treats like Fish4Dogs Apple or Sweet Potato Fish Wraps pair these ingredients with fish and are low in fat.