29/10/2026
Splash is a treat ninja (just look at his coat!) but many Halloween treats are toxic to pets. Be extra careful if your house is filled with chocolate and lollies, because many cheeky pets will take advantage of the holiday season and help themselves. If you have trick or treaters in your neighborhood, be alert on walks during the days following Halloween as it's not uncommon for lollies to be dropped or discarded, and many contain ingredients which will make your dog very sick.
In particular, keep an eye out for the following lollies and chocolates ingredients that can cause life-threatening emergencies.
1. Chocolate 🍫
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to dogs. Dark chocolate, baking chocolate and cocoa powder are particularly dangerous, but milk chocolate can also cause poisoning.
2. Sugar-free lollies and chewing gum
These may contain xylitol (also called birch sugar), an artificial sweetener that can cause a rapid, dangerous drop in blood sugar and potentially liver damage. Always check the ingredient list.
3. Raisins and chocolate-covered raisins
Raisins and grapes can cause acute kidney injury in dogs. The toxic amount is unpredictable, so even a small quantity warrants urgent veterinary advice.
4. Hard lollies, chewy lollies and gummies
These aren't all inherently toxic, but they can cause choking, stomach upsets or intestinal blockages. Sugar-free varieties may contain xylitol, making them particularly dangerous.
5. Lollies with wrappers
Foil, plastic and cellophane wrappers can cause choking or intestinal obstructions if swallowed.
6. Coffee-flavoured sweets and espresso chocolates
Caffeine-containing sweets and chocolate-covered coffee beans can cause serious toxicity, including agitation, a racing heartbeat, tremors and seizures.
7. Cannabis-infused gummies or chocolates
These can contain THC, which is toxic to dogs and may cause wobbliness, marked drowsiness, vomiting and other serious effects.