October warning to anyone who has a dog or cat

With Halloween fast approaching, you may be stocking your home with all kinds of seasonal treats, but there are a number that should be kept away from your pets.

Luckily this spooky season, pet insurance experts from are urging people to be on their guard for potentially poisonous family favourites.

Seasonal treats like chocolate, pumpkins and apples can all be harmful to pets, and party hosts and guests are also urged to keep alcohol out of reach, as accidental consumption can cause serious health issues.

Ian Wilson, savings expert and managing director at Tiger.co.uk said: "For a lot of us, Halloween is a great opportunity for a get together and a chance to indulge in some festive treats.

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"When hosting a busy party, it can be tricky to make sure pets are monitored and kept safely away from potential dangers - especially with noisy fireworks outside throughout Halloween, most people would likely opt to have their pets indoors to help ease any anxiety.

"That's why we are urging pet owners to be extra vigilant this Halloween and think now about planning for their furry friends."

He added: "Feeding pets human food can have serious health consequences, so it’s important to research before feeding anything new and perhaps keep the pup somewhere separate from the party when the food is served, to help keep them safe and avoid other people unknowingly feeding the pup something dangerous."

Top foods to protect your pet from this Halloween: Pumpkin

Pumpkin skin can cause a choking hazard and may block your pet’s intestines. The stem and leaves of a pumpkin can also be irritable to their mouths and throats.

Alcohol

If you're hosting a Halloween party, then be sure that any alcohol is out of reach of your furry friends. Alcohol can cause vomiting, breathing issues, tremors, and decreased coordination, and can even prove fatal to animals. Contact your vet immediately if you suspect your pet has consumed any alcohol.

Salty crisps

Avoid leaving bowls of salty snacks like popcorn, crisps and pretzels out around your house if there's a risk that pets could eat some. Large amounts of salt could cause sodium ion poisoning in pets, with symptoms like vomiting, tremors and seizures.

Chocolate

Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine, which is toxic to cats and dogs. The most common signs your pet has ingested chocolate include vomiting, diarrhoea, panting or restlessness. Make sure to keep all Halloween treats at a safe distance from your pets.

Apple cores

While apple skin isn't problematic for pets, the cores and their seeds can be a choking hazard and may even cause a stomach upset. If you are partaking in bobbing for apples this spooky season, be sure to properly dispose of the apples afterwards.