10/01/2026
Happy October 1st from all of us at Sunshine Animal Hospital! As the Halloween candy starts filling up the pantry, we want to kick off the month by keeping our four-legged family members safe.
While we love a good sweet treat, human candy is a major trick for pets! Here are a few top candy cautions to keep in mind all month long:
• 🍫 Chocolate is Toxic: Dark and baking chocolates are especially dangerous, but all chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which can cause severe illness, heart problems, or worse in dogs and cats.
• 🚫 Watch for Xylitol: This artificial sweetener is found in many sugar-free gums, mints, and candies. It causes a rapid, dangerous drop in blood sugar and severe liver failure in pets.
• 🍇 Grapes & Raisins: Often found in snack-size boxes, these can lead to sudden kidney failure in dogs.
• 🍬 Wrappers & Sticks: Foil, plastic wrappers, and lollipop sticks aren't just choking hazards—they can cause life-threatening intestinal blockages that require surgery.
Paws and reflect: Keep all candy bowls pushed far back on counters or stored securely in closed pantries.
