There are many ways to celebrate Halloween– from dressing up in costumes or coming up with delicious creepy themed snacks, this is the best time to appreciate the ghoulish things around you!
For those who prefer a nice night in, we have got you covered. We scoured the internet for the best scary movies you can watch with your pet. Don’t worry! We made sure all animals (most importantly, the pets) were given a happy ending.
** Movies recommended may not be appropriate for children, unless otherwise stated.
1. Alien (1979)
Photo Credit: Alien (1979)
This sci-fi classic birthed the iconic monster figure, the Alien. Sigourney Weaver stars as a strong, powerful female lead. Yet her co-star, an adorable ginger cat named Jonesy steals the show.
2. The Amityville Horror (1979)
Photo Credit: The Amityville Horror (1979)
Inspired by the true events of the Amityville murder, this haunted house tale depicts a fictional interpretation of the George and Kathy Lutz story. No family story is complete without their trustworthy and loyal pet dog.
3. Angst (1983)
Photo Credit: Angst (1983)
Hailed for its realistic depiction of stranger danger, this Austrian horror film will inspire you to keep your doors locked at night. But perhaps not all the way, you’d want to keep your doors open for little Cuba, a cinnamon dachshund that appears prominently in the movie.
4. Gremlins (1984)
Phoebe Cates and Zach Galligan
Photo Credit: Gremlins (1984)
This American comedy horror film features cute fluffy creatures named Gremlin. Yet, we think the cutest animal has to be the Peltzer family’s Jack Russell Terrier, Barney!
5. Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Photo Credit: Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Tim Burton is known for his macabre and creepy looking cast of characters. This kid-friendly Halloween themed movie is a perfect transition for those already prepping for the Christmas season. Plus, Jack Skellington’s dog, Spot perfectly mirrors Santa’s reindeer.
6. The Grudge (2004)
Photo Credit: The Grudge (2004)
If you’ve not seen this yet, you have to. Though the cat, Mar does not necessarily receive a happy ending, its ghostly apparition is a great addition to the show. Be warned! If you own a cat, you may develop a fear of hearing their meows at night…
7. Corpse Bride (2005)
Photo Credit: Corpse Bride (2005)
We want to make sure your children can get in on the fun too! Another Tim Burton classic, this movie features Victor, a man who struggles to adapt to an arranged marriage. He gets himself whisked away into the land of the undead where he reunites with a familiar furry figure.
8. Coraline (2009)
Photo Credit: Coraline (2009)
This stop motion animation film is known to frighten both adults and children. A black cat commonly pops up throughout the film, forewarning the protagonist encounter with malicious beings.
9. Mama (2013)
Photo Credit: Mama (2013)
This movie features a lot of moths (I mean it! There’s a lot!). However, the family’s dog, Handsome remains unharmed. Unsurprisingly, the same cannot be said for the family who experiences a series of traumatic events.
10. Hush (2016)
Photo Credit: Hush (2016)
Lastly, Mike Flanagan’s take on the classic stranger danger horror explores what happens when victims are unable to hear nor cry out for help. His protagonist, a mute woman named Maggie struggles to escape the prevalent threat of death. Her cat helps her out in more ways than one.
–
Terrified? We hope so!
Let us know in the comments if you have enjoyed any of these movies.
Have you ever wondered what it is like for a frontline healthcare worker during a pandemic?
For Rachel, a first-year staff nurse at a local acute hospital, the height of the pandemic’s first wave in Singapore, she had to adapt to major changes. These included ‘ignoring’ her dog Bear and facing discrimination as a health care worker.
We interviewed her to learn more about her experience, and how we can do our part to respect and accommodate our frontline workers.
1. How did Singapore handle the COVID-19 pandemic, and how did this affect your life as a frontline healthcare worker?
I was a new graduate from NUS Nursing at the height of the pandemic’s initial waves in Singapore and simply put, I had to hit the ground running. Staffing was scarce as many colleagues were deployed to other areas, such as the quarantine facilities and swabbing centres. I have had to orientate myself quickly. It was a drastic shift to working on rotating shifts, and I would find myself physically and mentally drained at the end of the day.
2. What is a local acute hospital?
An acute hospital is one that sees complex and urgent medical conditions and/or injuries that have a sudden onset. Such hospitals include an emergency department, intensive care, and a wide range of medical and surgical specialities. Patients usually receive active short-term treatment and stabilised, before discharging or transferring to a long-term care facility such as a community hospital. Acute hospitals in Singapore include Singapore General Hospital, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, and more.
3. Tell us more about your relationship with Bear.
I have known Bear since he was only a couple of days old. Bear was rescued by Mercylight Animal Rescue and Sanctuary in November 2016, along with his mother and 2 brothers from a cement mixer company. With eyes that have yet to open, they were left vulnerable to the dangers of fast-moving construction trucks and harsh weather. I was, and still am, a volunteer with Mercylight, and that was how I met Bear.
Initially, I was not looking to adopt Bear, as I was not confident in raising a puppy, and was looking at an older, calmer dog to call my own. As the years went by, my interaction with Bear increased through training for obedience competitions and trick performances. That was how I grew to love Bear’s goofy and happy-go-lucky persona. After 4 years later, I officially signed the papers for Bear’s adoption. I had decided to adopt Bear as my companion after graduating from my studies.
Bear is a people’s pleaser and loved to be in the presence of my family. He loves physical touch and he would often paw anyone who’s around him for attention. By some instinct, he knows when any family member is having a rough day and would offer his quiet company.
4. How has this changed since the outbreak?
As I have immunocompromised family members, I have had to be very regimented to keep everyone at home safe. While the protocols and weekly tests at the hospital have ensured so, I have had to keep a distance from Bear and my family members when I return home from work. I would head straight to the bathroom to wash up before interacting with them.
Bear is a huge cuddle bug and loves belly rubs. Bear’s usual routine when I return home is to flop over on his back for belly rubs and grab the nearest toy to play fetch with. Just imagine a very confused, and often disappointed, Bear when he waits outside the bathroom!
We have also decreased our outings and stayed at home. Despite this, we have made good use of our time by experimenting with different dog-friendly recipes, and also enriching Bear with trick training (we are currently working towards his Expert Trick Dog Title with Do More With Your Dog!).
Needless to say, Bear loves getting extra treats during trick training!
5. You mentioned encountering differential treatment. Could you elaborate on your experience?
Oftentimes, those who have not met Bear before would often assume that Bear is aggressive and had biting tendencies. Parents could be seen dragging their children away, and heard saying ‘he’s [Bear] is coming to bite you’. I guess it has to do with his tall stature and his unique looks as a Singapore Special. However, that could not be further from the truth!
Photo Credit: Instagram @bearrr_ss
These experiences would be made worse when they learn that I am a healthcare worker. Some are gracious in their interaction, while others would have visceral reactions such as disgust. While I have learned to take it in my stride, it still upsets me when there are still members of the public who pass harsh judgement and refuse to offer us a chance to educate them.
6. What are some common misconceptions individuals may have about frontline healthcare workers, and what advice would you impart on such individuals?
Oftentimes, for the uninitiated, there is a common misconception that healthcare workers are ‘dirty’. I have had obnoxious claims that I was very selfish to be working in healthcare during the pandemic. For such individuals, I would advise as such.
Nursing is more than a passion for me. The tough times will never overshadow the joy I get from seeing my patients walk out of the wards and back home. I am aware that being a frontline healthcare worker puts me and my family at higher risk for infection. However, there are many proven effective methods of infection control that have already been put in place, and all healthcare professions have been trained rigorously.
I am certain that this pandemic will pass soon, with corporation from all Singaporeans and with the valiant efforts in the fight against COVID-19.
7. Moving forward, what are your hopes for Singapore’s future in lieu of this pandemic?
I hope that Singaporeans would grow to have tolerance for others. Racism and discrimination have resurfaced during this pandemic, and have no place in the Little Red Dot we call home.
While there has been a lot of negatives, there has been an overwhelming response from locals in support of essential workers. From hawkers packing food for healthcare workers to Singaporeans donating SingapoRediscover vouchers to migrant workers, these small acts of kindness highlighted the heart-warming compassion of locals.
I hope that even when the pandemic situation turns for the better, we, as Singaporeans, will continue to foster our ‘kampong spirit. While it has taken yet another pandemic to bring this issue into the light (the former being during the SARS period), multi-racial Singapore is here to stay after things tide over.
Photo Credit: Instagram @bearrr_ss
Also, I hope that Singaporeans learned that everyone, and every job, have a place in society. While we shine the light on essential workers, we must not forget those in other sectors such as in the F&B, business and economy, social services and more. Everyone in Singapore, no matter how intrinsically or distally involved, keeps Singapore running.
Yes, cats are independent creatures and can be stubborn at times. Although, much like human behavior, they are also socially flexible. If given the opportunity and the appropriate training, cats can develop a solid and lasting bond with their owners. Besides playtime or fun, cats can also use their training to overcome behavioral issues such as urine marking, aggression, furniture scratching, etc. The act of training cats allows parents to spend more time stimulating their pet’s mind and body, keeping both parties engaged, motivated, and healthy.
Despite the widespread belief that cats cannot get trained, it’s up to the owners to understand what incentivizes or drives their furry friends. Teaching your cat new tricks is based on trial and error, depending on their personality, traits, temperament, and preferences. Unlike dogs who want to impress their owners, cats prefer to be given something in return for their efforts. Owners must keep in mind that even though cats are highly intuitive and alert, they can take time to respond with willingness. The parent’s job is to train with patience, empathy, and respect for their cat’s personal space. While teaching new tricks and bonding with the cat is suitable for their health, it’s equally important to provide them with the best flea treatment. Another great way to save money and time is to subscribe to monthly flea treatment for your cat, avoiding the hassle of making regular trips to the vet.
When training your cat, there are a few things to keep in mind to help you interact more efficiently:
Using noise-making devices, such as clickers, can help the cat mark their good behavior and connect the sound with the following treat.
Using positive reinforcements (rewards) such as your cat’s favorite treats, catnip, petting, etc., can reinforce the desired behavior and help them respond faster due to increased motivation.
A hungry cat is the most eager learner since they want to be rewarded with food instantly. However, the trick is to keep the training sessions crisp and short; otherwise, they might lose interest.
Cats are a creature of habit and have a better memory than other animals. We recommend maintaining consistency while training and keeping short spurts of sessions, i.e., less than 10 minutes.
Punishing your cat can cause severe stress and anxiety, damaging the bond you share and causing a breach of trust.
One of the most popular ways to showcase your bond with your feline friend is through a fist bump. It may not look easy initially, but it is pretty achievable with the right conduct. It would be best to understand that no two cats are the same, and some of them will take time to learn and get used to the commands. So, you can start by offering your cat a small treat in a narrow bowl so that he/she uses her paw to get the treat out. As soon as she does, say “Yes.” Next time, repeat this while holding the cup a little higher in your hand. Slowly, get away with the bowl and replace it with your fist. Be patient and always reward your cat with a treat when she follows through.
Cat owners believe that having their pets indoors can be a safe option for them. While this is true, cats require stimulation by exploring the outdoor environment, spending quality time with their owners, and experiencing different sights, sounds, and smells.
Firstly, find a harness that secures your cat to a tee so that they aren’t able to wiggle out and escape into the woods. Then, introduce your cat and allow it to get accustomed to wearing the harness around the house. You can also place a few treats near the harness to pique your cat’s interest. When they seem comfortable, begin by taking your cat to the balcony or terrace area. Keep some treats ready in hand to offer if they’re stressed, and allow them to walk at their own pace, taking in the new environment.
Only when you know that they’ve adapted to the outdoor space, can you take them to roam around your neighborhood, explore the gardens, etc.
Using a carrier is essential for a cat parent during different events, such as visiting a veterinarian, going for a trip, switching homes, etc. While the general behavior of cats towards carriers is unpleasant, there is a way for owners to change this around.
The first step is to find a carrier made of the right material, size, and with proper ventilation. A detachable top is a bonus so that you won’t have to force your cat to exit each time. The best way to start is by keeping the carrier in a separate room, with no loud sounds or distractions. Then lay a mat next to an open carrier and place some treats over it for your cat to nibble on. It will take a few days for your cat to move closer and closer to the carrier before they step inside for the treats. Also, remember that any harsh noise such as banging the door, roughly placing the cat inside, or any background movement can stress out your cat. Instead, relax your cat and allow them to take their time to lay on the mat inside the carrier. Then start by closing the door gently, in small degrees, until they begin to feel more and more relaxed inside. You can occasionally place a few toys, along with favorite treats, to allow your cat to feel secure, even when you’re not in the room.
Gradually, you can start by transporting them from one room to another before you take them for their annual checkups or other travels.
Apart from looking cool, an arm hoop jump is an excellent way to keep your cat active. Although it may look tricky at first, once you get the basics right, you’ll notice that your feline friend seems to be having a lot of fun. Reward training is an excellent place to start, and having a treat at the finishing end will motivate your cat to follow through. The other thing to consider is getting the right kind of hoop. A noisy or unstructured hoop might distract the cat. Moreover, it’s better to let your cat explore the hoop while introducing it to her. The more familiar it becomes, the more comfortable your cat would feel around it. Then by practicing it more and more and with targeted training, your cat will get in the groove and start liking it quite a lot.
In conclusion, training a cat can be challenging at times, but cat owners must remember that patience and repetition will help with even the most distant felines. While most parents start training cats at a young age, when they’re most adaptive and involved, older cats can also get trained as long as they’re consistent and patient. The end goal is to reinforce your cat’s good behavior and help deepen the bond between you and your feline friend.
This article is an expansion of Fiona’s submission for our #WhatsYourReality campaign. We recommend reading her story before proceeding with the article.
1. Why did you choose to adopt Bebe despite knowing that she is a senior dog?
I heard about her adoption from a friend on Facebook.
At that point in my life, I was faced with the loss of another furkid. With all of the pets’ products and food laying around at home, I wanted to donate all of it to the shelters. I did not want to have another pet. So when my friend showed me the Facebook post, I wasn’t a bit interested.
But the story with Bebe was, she’s a senior dog that had been in multiple foster homes. I didn’t know what issue she had that made so many adopters returned her. When I went to meet her for the first time with my friend, I have an instant affection for her and I did not want her to live her senior life living in homes that might not even love her.
At that point, I told myself that adopting Bebe wouldn’t be that bad as well because I just have a few years with her. Thinking that it will be easy, but right now I’m regretting it.
Knowing that our time together is limited just makes me treasure and cherish our time together more.
2. Bring us through your training process with Bebe.
Everyone said that training a senior dog is tough because they already have a personality in them and it’s isn’t easy to bond with a senior dog. But Bebe was making things easy for us. Despite all of the pee accidents on our sofa for the first 3 months, subsequently, she is toilet trained and she knows what I want from her.
I didn’t bring Bebe for Obedience Training because I didn’t think that she needs to. For the first few months together, I only walked her at 6 am and 10 pm. During those hours, there isn’t much human traffic and dogs so it makes walks easier for us and for me to observe her under those situations.
Over time, I slowly introduced her to my friends’ and cousins’ dogs. I’m super thankful and lucky that she has no reaction to puppies and babies. She’s actually really well behaved and friendly, which confuses me all the time as to why she was moved from home to home. It took us 6 months for her to be comfortable with us and trust us.
3. You mentioned that Bebe had been diagnosed with a grade 5 heart murmur. Tell us more about the condition, and how it affects her daily life.
Having a grade 5 heart murmur didn’t really deter her from having a time of her life. Even though I try my best to control her excitement whenever she sees her friends in the park or getting overly excited whenever she sees food, having a grade 5 heart murmur didn’t change her life much.
She does tend to cough a lot after having sudden zoomies, and also sometimes I forget that she’s 11 years old, not 11 months. Other than that, she’s a really happy dog and she makes everyone around her head over heels
4. How has Bebe changed your life since adopting her?
Having Bebe pushes and motivates me every single day. She made me so disciplined because her walk and mealtimes are set from the start. So I have to shift my schedule around to fit hers.
Initially, it was really difficult for me as my job requires me to be on 24/7 standby. But I’m very lucky to have understanding colleagues to help me as well.
Plus, not forgetting that she’s always there for me at my highest and lowest and is a great wing woman. She made me learnt how to take care of someone and putting someone as a priority before me.
5. Any advice for new pet owners who might be interested in adopting a senior dog?
Please really do think twice before adopting a senior dog.
Her vet visits set me back a minimum of $300. A senior dog has a personality and character mould, so training and bonding with them take more effort than adopting a puppy or younger dog.
But of course, once you win the senior dog over, the accomplishment, love and affection you get is something that cannot be described and you will definitely feel that you have unlocked an achievement! I hope all of us adopt senior dogs because they really do deserve love and affection like any other dog too! 🙂
Editor’s note: Senior pets are as independent as they come, but do you know that your home can be made more comfortable for them? Roberto Lopez shares insightful tips on preparing your home for your senior pet.
My Bulldog, Boo, has been always been an angel on fours. It’s just like any other relationship where there are ups and downs but it’s just me compromising with her all the time (haha!).
Nevertheless, she is really one of a kind. You can say she’s my soulmate.
Boo has always been the priority in my life so her diagnosis did not deter me from loving her. However, I guess with IVDD, it requires much more effort to care for her now.
She is unable to walk, pee or poop on her own, so she requires somebody to empty her bladder every couple of hours. I can’t spend late nights out with my friends as I have to be back home to check on her and give her nightly massages. For almost 2 years, I also gave up my bed and slept on the floor with her.
Honestly, it was so tough during the first few months, I was financially and mentally drained. But it gets better with time as we start to understand her schedules and needs, and of course with help from my family members. Emotional support was very crucial. Dog cafes and dog runs are places I avoid, instead, we go to pet-friendly places. Basically, every action I take has to cater to her.
Photo Credit: Instagram @boo._thefrenchie
Discovering Aon Happy Tails Pet Insurance
As a breed, French Bulldogs face a long list of medical problems and sadly to say it was because of humans. The best-looking dogs were bred to meet the market demands which resulted in common medical conditions such as IVDD.
I found out after researching pet insurance that Aon Happy Tails was the only one that covers surgical and its breed issues. After some research, I found out that Aon Happy Tails was the only one that covers surgical costs as well as hereditary and congenital conditions. At that point in time, it was extremely crucial for me as the surgical intervention of IVDD is expensive.
I signed up to be covered by them at Pet Expo (don’t we all miss them). They offered promos for the first year and a couple of free gifts. It was very easy. Basically, all you need to do is sign up, consult a vet to sign and approve a document stating your pet’s medical condition and send it back. We were insured just like that. It was fuss-free.
Claiming Process
Well, Aon Happy Tails covers breeds medical issues like IVDD. Boo is afflicted with a serious case of IVDD hence surgical intervention is needed. I remember I paid close to 14k on Boo’s surgery and her stay (excludes X-ray and all the miscellaneous tests). Through Happy Tails, I was able to redeem around 5-6k (Don’t quote me on the value! I claimed 2 years ago).
At that point in time, I was so relieved about owning the insurance. The best part was I did not even get the most expensive plan they provided.
Claiming via Aon Happy Tails was so easy as well. Surprisingly, their helpdesk was incredibly responsive and helpful. Just submit all necessary documents and they will get back to you on the claims.
** We recommend interested pet owners to engage in their own self-research for Aon Happy Tails. Do note that the claim amount quoted by Denise is not an accurate representation of the reimbursement rate.
Advice to Pet Owners
Avoid thinking of insurance as taboo!
It is always good to keep informed on your pets’ medical needs at any stage of their lives. Always do your research on the coverage you require out of insurance, e.g X-rays, surgery, MRI.
Of course, I am not advising you to purchase pet insurance that you can’t afford. Just don’t ever give up on your pet due to expensive medical bills. There are always solutions to your problem.
Remember, all your pet has is you.
You are their whole lives.
Aon Happy Tails pet insurance covers a wide range of illnesses and medical conditions such as:
Luxating Patella
Hip and Elbow Dyplasia
Cherry Eye
Glaucoma
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
Femoral Head and Neck Excision
** DISCLAIMER: There is a ninety (90) days waiting period for sicknesses and a twelve (12) month waiting period for Specified Hereditary and Congenital sicknesses from the policy’s first commencement during which sicknesses claims are not payable.
During the twelve (12) month waiting period, if conditions or symptoms of IVDD begin to emerge, it will be considered a pre-existing condition and will no longer be covered by Aon Happy Tails.
For more information, you can also check out their dedicated online portal which helps pet parents obtain a library of pet-related information, as well as ensure their sign up process is smooth and easy to access. You can also access their pricing plans via their website. Simply enter your details and get a quote!
With Aon Happy Tails, rest assured your pet is in safe hands.
Here at Pawjourr, we run a self-serve marketplace for you to find jobs for your pets. In lieu of the spooky season, here are our Halloween themed campaigns you can’t miss!
1. Applaws Halloween for Dogs
They’re looking for pet influencers to celebrate Halloween all treats, no tricks way! They are encouraging users all over Singapore to showcase their best spooky meals or talented tricks in their campaign.
To promote their latest range of wet canned food, Burp is encouraging pet owners to come up with fun Halloween themed recipes with their product. Keep an eye out for a wide range of cat-friendly snacks to hit your social media this October!
If you’d like to try it out, feel free to join this campaign too!
This Halloween, they are looking forward to showcasing your pet’s best talents. If you are feeling particularly mischievous, you can also opt to ‘trick’ your pets. In exchange, redeem delicious cheese-based snacks for your pet.
Our pet job portal helps pet influencers work with the Brands that they love. We are currently hosting pet influencer campaigns all around the globe.See what’s available for you here.
It’s definitely fun to bring your furkids out during this trick or treat season. However, they might feel overwhelmed in all the festivities, or you may get carried away with the celebration. Worry not, here is a checklist to help you prepare, so you can party to your heart’s content. Stay safe and stay spooky!
Tween Girl Blowing Bubbles with Labradoodle Puppy in Backyard
This article was written in collaboration with Redfin.
1. Pet-safe plants
Be responsible for the plants in your backyard. Some plants and fauna may be potentially harmful to animals, so ensure that your backyard is dog-safe before allowing your furkid to roam around.
List of pet-safe plants
Bird’s Nest Fern
Rosemary
Hawthornia
Thyme
Camellia
Dill
Polka dot plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)
Snapdragons
Daisy
Cornflower
Remember to always keep an eye on what your dog interacts with when they are outside.
2. Dog-friendly landscaping
Keep your dog safe by ensuring there are no potentially dangerous obstacles in your landscaping. The easiest way to do so is to use materials such as concrete, brick, flagstone, pea-gravel, mulch (NOT cocoa mulch) and pavers.
Young woman playing with giant schnauzer in the backyard. The owner training his dog pet in summer day.
You can further increase your backyard’s accessibility with dog-friendly ramps, designated potty areas, secure fencing and a fun, water feature.
Either way, have fun! Be creative and find ways to adapt these amenities into your landscaping.
3. Keep your yard moist
On some occasions, dogs cool off by digging holes in their yard. As such, it is important that you create damp cool areas for your dog to rest in when they are feeling hot and tired. Creating your own digging hole might help to reduce dirt stains in your dog’s fur, especially if your yard consists of heavy soils (e.g clay).
You can create your very own digging hole as such:
Locate, or dig out a shallow pit the size of your dog.
Cover the bottom of your pit with a concrete layer. Poke holes to ensure drainage.
Line your pit with a layer of sand (preference is up to you!).
Dampen your pit with water. Make sure it is not soaked.
4. Use pet-friendly soil
Upkeeping the soil in your backyard will no doubt lead to using pesticides and herbicides, as well as fertilisers to keep the soil rich and healthy. Sunday offers a smart lawn plan that uses non-toxic base materials for their soil, such as soy protein, seaweed, and molasses. On top of being the safest option for your pawpals, Sunday’s lawn plans also keep your backyard self-sustainable and minimise the use of toxic chemicals.
Your dog is a member of the family. And just like any family member, your dog deserves a space of its own to run around, relax in the shade, or dig a hole. If you own a home with a backyard, renovating the space is the perfect solution to provide a space your dog won’t want to leave.
To help you get started, Redfin reached out to dog experts from across North America, from Baltimore, MD to Penticton, BC, including us, to give you our best tips on how to create a dog-friendly backyard. From installing a porthole bubble in your fence to building a portable ramp to your porch, check out 11 Tips to Create a Dog-Friendly Yard, Straight From the Pros.
Small amounts of chocolate are unlikely to be deadly to larger dog breeds. Chocolate is responsible for about 25% of canine poisoning incidents. But yes, it can kill dogs.
Chocolate is one of the most highly poisonous foods for dogs. It’s also a commonly found food for humans that can be toxic to pets, especially chocolate with high cocoa content.
But, toxicity varies depending on the chocolate and even your dog’s weight.
This article will explore why chocolate can be poisonous for dogs, how much it takes to kill them, and what you should do if your dog eats too much chocolate.
Can Dogs Eat Chocolate?
No dogs cannot eat chocolate. Chocolate is rich in two types of methylxanthine molecules, theobromine, and caffeine.
Chocolate is rich in caffeine and theobromine and both these ingredients are involved in causing chocolate toxicity in dogs.
These chemicals can cause 3 main symptoms:
Gastrointestinal irritation: After eating a substance that is harmful to your dog, his stomach will attempt to get rid of it through diarrhea and vomiting.
Diuretics: They make your dog urinate and drink more by forcing excess water to leave the body via the urine.
Stimulant: Commonly found in most caffeine drinks, this is what causes symptoms such as hyperactivity, rapid breathing, and heart rate.
Chocolate doesn’t have an immediate effect on your dog, and symptoms generally occur after approximately 2 to 12 hours after consumption.
When these symptoms are mild they will usually cease after a day or two. However, depending on your dog’s digestive system and how quickly they process the chocolate, these periods may vary.
Chocolate poisoning is rarely fatal in dogs. Dogs with established cardiovascular or neurological health issues have a higher chance of dying, although this is not usually the case. [1]
Chocolate doesn’t affect humans the same as it does dogs. This is why we can eat it safely!
Humans digest and metabolize the molecules in chocolate more quickly than dogs. So we would have to eat much larger quantities at once for these molecules to have a toxic influence on us.
The concentration of methylxanthines stays for approximately 2 to 3 hours in humans before it starts to decrease. However, for dogs, this is over 18 hours! This gives these molecules plenty of time to circulate and damage their body. [2]
How much chocolate can a dog eat before dying?
This table reveals the LD50 (the dosage that killed half) for caffeine and theobromine. [2,3,4]
Methylxanthine
LD50 mg/ kg body weight
Caffeine
100 – 140 mg/kg
Theobromine
100 – 500 mg/kg
This shows that lethal doses are determined by the substance beginning toxicity, and toxicity largely depends on the dog’s weight and digestive system.
Essentially, the same quantity of chocolate could have distinct effects on a Chihuahua as it does with their larger counterparts, like Labradors. A 20 kg dog could be killed by eating anything between 125g and 625g of baker’s chocolate. [4]
Likewise, chocolate with higher amounts of methylxanthines, such as dark chocolate or milk chocolate, has a greater risk of causing negative effects.
So not only does the breed, weight, and metabolism of a dog vary the toxicity of chocolate, but also the symptoms too.
Methylxanthines (mg)
Symptoms
20
Excessive drinking, diarrhea, vomiting
20
Heart symptoms and issues
60 or more
Seizures
Each type of chocolate has different amounts of methylxanthines in it. For example, milk chocolate is less toxic for dogs compared to dark chocolate.
The DOI conducted several experiments to verify this. In one of these, they identified that half a chocolate bar (250g) could make a dog that weighs 10kg sick. They also noticed that only a quarter of a bag of cocoa powder that weighs 250g could have the same effect.
However, a dog would need to consume a larger amount of milk chocolate to face toxicity issues.
If your dog eats chocolate, we understand it can be difficult to do all these various calculations. Luckily there is a wide variety of handy tools, like this toxicity calculator that you can use if there is such an emergency.
Things to do if your dog eats chocolate
If your dog eats chocolate, we urge you to take them to a veterinarian. I hope the information we’ve discussed above assist you in making an educated decision about what comes next if you are unable to go to the veterinarian right away.
Make a note of how much chocolate they’ve consumed using the toxicity calculator above. Generally, it’s best to over-calculate so you’re planning for the worst-case scenario.
Our recommendation is to observe your dog for at least 24 hours after consumption. To slow down methylxanthine absorption, give your dog more (appropriate) food and keep them hydrated. This will allow your dog’s body to dilute the poisons.
Every 12 hours, give your pup charcoal tablets to help decrease the concentration of methylxanthines.
If your dog has ingested a substance that seems to be getting into his stomach, the vet may choose to force vomiting. Vomiting should only be induced by a veterinarian. You can cause your dog harm if you try to induce vomiting on your own. [4]
If your dog develops nervous or cardiac symptoms, they should be taken to a veterinary hospital or clinic right away. Veterinarians have the right medicines to help your dog recover comfortably and safely.
Conclusion
While death due to chocolate toxicity is uncommon, this does not negate the importance of taking it seriously.
When chocolate isn’t fatal, it can still cause a lot of suffering and pain for your dog. Always seek expert consultation from a veterinarian if you believe they have consumed chocolate.
Chocolate isn’t the only thing that can make dogs sick! If you want to find out more about dog nutrition, try this guide of 35 toxic foods for dogs and find out why they are poisonous for them.
When Ivy first met Totto, she described it as the “first blessing” in her life.
Her previous job as a preschool principal had been an incredibly stressful experience. When Totto came into her life and was subsequently brought into her care, her presence took Ivy away from her job. Taking care of Totto helped to alleviate the stress she felt during work. Playing with Totto also gave her the work-life balance she desperately needed.
Photo Credit: Instagram @totto_maltipoo
The joy she received from having Totto around her inspired her to start a pay-it-forward program, one that was intended to support any, if not all, paw-parents out there.
It first begins via Totto’s Instagram account. Through there, Ivy has been able to meet lots of Singaporean pet owners. Their joy and eagerness to talk about their furkids motivate Ivy to care for them too. In the event she notices something amiss e.g a furkid has fallen ill, she reaches out to them to render support, and perhaps offer a little gift as an encouragement.
She also offers support inspired by Totto’s quirks. For instance, she notes that Totto is a fussy eater. Hence, for pet owners whose furkids may equally be as fussy, she is also willing to share samples for products that are “Totto-approved”. “Most importantly,” she tells us, “I ensure [the furkids] are not allergic to the said product before I offer them to their owners!”
Photo Credit: Instagram @totto_maltipoo
Her contagious sense of generosity is not left unacknowledged by the larger Singaporean pet community. In the case of @cottonsim_themaltipoo, their paw-mum has kindly adopted Ivy’s ‘Pay-it-forward’ program as a means to show her gratitude and thanks to Ivy who had helped her through difficult times. Ivy had been by her side when Cotton suffered from a bowel obstruction. As such, the two have remained close friends and continue to spread love with the program.
Yet, Ivy’s spirit of giving doesn’t stop there.
She also helps to collect donations for various charities or non-profit organisations such as Mdm Wong’s dog shelter. Encouraged by her friend, @mocha.mamashop, Ivy produced over 50 D-I-Y bows and bandanas which were sold to the pet community. Her hard work earned over >$1k in donations and profit, all of which was given to Mdm Wong.
Photo Credit: Instagram @totto_maltipoo
She also helped to promote and generate awareness for Dada, a Singaporean special. Dada had been injured and disabled due to lack of proper treatment as a stray. His new paw-mum met Ivy through a giveaway application. From there, Ivy had been touched by Dada’s story and wanted more people to know about it. Leveraging the power of social media, Ivy boosted Dada’s plight on Totto’s Instagram, which resulted in a mass number of followers almost overnight. Though Dada has since passed, his paw-mum continues to share his story, creating art through commissions, and donating to dog shelters as a way of remembering him.
Photo Credit: Instagram @dada.the.brave . Image features Totto (top right), Dada (left) and their friend, Pony (center)
Despite the positive impacts she has done on the pet community, Ivy remains humble and down to earth. When questioned about the expenses incurred as a result of her munificence, she informs us, “It is nothing compared to what I reap in the process. I am so grateful to all these pet owners who have given me a chance to step into their lives. I am more than blessed to continue what I am doing”.
Perhaps, these pet owners are blessed too, to have met her.
Check out Ivy and Totto’s Instagram account. Her encounters with pet owners via her ‘Pay-it-forward’ program can be found in a highlight reel titled ‘My Vision’.
Let us know what you think about Ivy’s generosity. In the meantime, remember to cherish your blessings, and pay it forward.
A dog run refers to a fenced up area where dogs are kept within a safe confined space and off the leash to get their daily exercise and to socialise with other dogs and dog owners.
Most of the time, dog runs are seen as a social space for both dogs and their owners. Dogs can run, interact and play off-leash with other dogs while being safely contained and segregated from other people enjoying the park.
As it is a requirement by law for owners to leash up dogs in Singapore’s public spaces, dog runs help to provide open outdoor spaces for cooped-up apartment dwelling dogs to have the freedom they need to run and have fun.
Dog runs are managed by different agencies and one of them is the National Parks Board (NParks). Dog runs -managed by NParks- are usually situated within parks. They consist of turfed lawns, which provide a more natural environment for dogs to explore a variety of textures and spaces.
Dogs need to stay active, exercise and release pent up energy. Active dogs will stay in shape, experience less anxiety and depression and have overall better physical and mental well beings with outdoor stimulation.
Visiting a Dog Run
You can now visit any of NParks’ 15 dog runs located all throughout Singapore in the parks. There are also, other public dog runs that are situated in HDB spaces and on state land as well as private dog runs managed by private entities across the island.
Larger NParks dog runs are situated at West Coast Park, Bishan – Ang Mo Kio Park, Jurong Lake Gardens and East Coast Park. They are extremely popular with dog owners and are well used throughout the day. Many dog owners come all the way across the island to use these dog runs.
The dog runs have also developed into a common meeting space for dog owners of all backgrounds and interests.
For Non-Pet Owners
Non-pet owners can certainly visit the dog run, however, we would advise them to exercise caution and be aware of the Do’s and Don’ts in the dog run. Non-pet owners must first be comfortable with the presence of dogs that may come in various sizes, breeds and behaviours. Being able to recognise and watch out for certain behaviours of dogs will be important to mitigate the potential issues in a dog run. Always ask the owner for permission before approaching an unknown dog.
Bringing in human or dog food into the dog run is also discouraged. Dogs may get attracted by the food and start to crowd around the visitor. This can lead to instances of dogs behaving aggressively in order to get to the food and owners may not be around in time to control their dogs.
Visitors should avoid approaching nor presenting any food to dogs without prior consent from their owners. Interaction with dogs should not be forced upon the dogs, especially those that may seem fearful or aggressive.
Visitors should also avoid bringing their young children into dog runs to play with the dogs. Even if under parental supervision, dogs may accidentally injure young children through play.
In short, although you may still enter, we would still advise and highly discourage non-pet owners from entering the dog runs. It would be wiser to leave the space for dogs and dog owners who need it. As an alternative, non-pet owners can observe the dogs from the outside instead.
Mantaining a Dog Run
Dog runs are usually maintained through frequent grass cutting, cleansing of the dog run area and emptying of bins. This is to ensure that all visitors (dogs and their humans) have a safe and clean space for exercising and socialising.
Sufficient shaded resting and seating spaces are also made available when possible.
Now that you know what a dog run is, it’s time to explore!
