Treats Instead of Sweets: Candy Can Hurt Your Bulldog

 The holidays can be an interesting time for people all around the world, and a fattening one at that. Holiday treats are all to prevalent during these months, tempting people with the likes of chocolate and mints, candied apples, marshmallow treats, cookies and other sweet delicacies sure to rot the teeth in the end. But candy can hurt your bulldog.  Just as you have a sweet tooth during this time, realize that your dog might be developing one too and squash it. Candy can be a deadly substance to any dog especially chocolate. The holidays are the prime time for Fido to get into the stash, and see the vet's office as a resultif they are so lucky.

What Kind of Treats Can My Dog Have?

 It's okay to want to treat your dog during the holidays after all; they are part of your family too. Do them a favor and keep your chocolaty, sugary treats to yourself and get them something more designed for their sensitive bellies. There are cookies and candies that are made just for dogs and their sensitive systems, and they are sold in most places during the holiday months. Even some pet-friendly homes give dogs treats when trick-or-treating on Halloween. Do some research and find some safe treats for your dog during this time, so you don't have to be tempted to share your treats with them, as they will have their own.

Why is Chocolate So Dangerous?

Even the tiniest amount of chocolate can be dangerous for dogs. Chocolate contains high amounts of caffeine, which can be fatal to a little dog heart. Chocolate may cause vomiting or diarrhea in your dog at the very least, possibly even seizures and death in the end. Don't risk losing your best friend and keep your chocolate to yourself!

The thing about chocolate is that, just like with people, it is addictive for dogs, too. You will know if your dog has eaten enough chocolate to prove to be a problem, as they will have issues with increased heart rate, hyperactivity, and perhaps even heart arrhythmia. None of this is safe, and it is certainly grounds for contacting your vet if it is following a chocolate binge.

What to Do If Your Dog Gets Into Your Stash

If you find that your dog has gotten into the Halloween candy, don't panic at least not at first. Your canine companions have taste buds just like you do, and they will get into the candy at some point in their lives. Bigger dogs with healthier systems ingesting a few small pieces of candy will likely be fineit is the greedier, smaller ones that you really have to worry about, as the substance can be more easily concentrated into their system.