Treats, especially chocolate, can be deadly for dogs

Make-believe Halloween ghosts and goblins are fun. Dogs that gobble large amounts of chocolate and other candies -- not so much.

During Halloween week last year, calls about dogs eating chocolate doubled o over regular levels, said Ahna Brutlag, a veterinary toxicologist and assistant director of veterinary services.

Chocolate CAN kill dogs and cats, though it usually doesn't if you get quick veterinary intervention.

"It partly depends on the amount," she said. "A couple of M&M's usually won't hurt them."

The darker the chocolate, the more harmful it is to a pet, she said, because darker chocolate has more methylxanthines.

Just 2 to 3 ounces of baker's chocolate can make a 50-pound dog very sick. It can take up to a pound of milk chocolate to cause poisoning in a 50-pound dog. If you know or suspect your dog or cat has eaten chocolate, gum or large amounts of any candy, Brutlag advises calling a hotline or your own veterinarian -- even if your pet isn't exhibiting symptoms.

Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include vomiting, drooling, shivering, diarrhea, lethargy, agitation, increased thirst, elevated heart rate or seizures.

Do not induce vomiting without talking to a veterinarian or a hotline, Brutlag said. Sometimes inducing vomiting can cause worse problems, especially for pugs and other short-nosed dogs that are at high risk of aspirating vomit into their lungs.

Other potentially lethal items include grapes, raisins, paper and foil candy wrappers, sugar-free gum and glow sticks.

Pet Poison Helpline handles calls for many species, including birds. Its list of potentially lethal poisons includes avocados, oven cleaners and a wide array of aerosol spray products.

-- Pet Poison Helpline: 800-213-6680 or petpoisonhelpline.com. Founded in 2004, this service is affiliated with the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. Get out your credit card; advice costs $35.

--ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, 888-426-4435. The cost is $65.