Neal Brackett, DVM
Oct 31, 2026
Halloween Horrors and Daylight Saving Time |
Costumes, candy, clock changes and hidden germs: what should dog owners watch for? |
Halloween candy belongs to trick-or-treaters, not dogs.
Doorstep bowls, party leftovers and dropped wrappers can put tempting—and dangerous—treats within reach.
Chocolate is especially concerning because dogs cannot process its theobromine and caffeine the way people can.
Dark and baking chocolate generally pose the greatest risk, but any suspected chocolate ingestion warrants a call to your veterinarian.
Vomiting, diarrhea and restlessness may be warning signs; tremors, an abnormal heartbeat or seizures require urgent care.
Other Halloween hazards include xylitol, a sweetener in some sugar-free candy and gum, and raisins, which can cause kidney injury.
Hard candy and wrappers can also cause choking or blockages.
Do not wait for symptoms if your dog gets into candy.
Check the packaging and promptly tell a veterinarian what your dog ate, how much and when; do not induce vomiting unless instructed.
Keep candy secured, check walkways for dropped treats and offer your dog a familiar pet-safe snack instead. Read More... |
Hello, friends,
Some of you may have found WagSavvy online or through another publication. Many of you may be receiving this first edition of our new newsletter WagSavvy because you’ve brought your pets to see me at North Broad Animal Clinic. If so, thank you for trusting me with their care.
I’ve wanted to put together a pet newsletter for quite some time. Like many things we intend to do, it kept getting pushed aside by a busy schedule!
Now that Dr. Alex has joined the staff and I have new technology to help me gather information, write, and edit, I’m finally bringing that idea to life.
My hope is to send WagSavvy once or twice a month, sharing practical pet-care advice, seasonal reminders, interesting veterinary news, and answers to questions that come up at the clinic. I’ll choose and review the content with your pets and their well-being in mind.
I’d also like to hear from you. What have you always wanted to ask about your dog or cat? Hit reply with a topic you’d like me to cover. Your question may help another family, too. To my favorite out-of-state organizations, feel free to share our newsletter with those pet parents in forever homes across the Northeast.
Some of you may not know that I also publish Seven Hills Spotlight, a newsletter about arts, events, and life around Rome. It’s a way to keep up with concerts, theater, festivals, local dining, and other things happening in our community. As you know, my family has been involved in the local arts for nearly three decades! We are blessed to share a community with amazing performing arts organizations.
The website also includes a local business directory, where you can explore restaurants, coffee shops, stores, and services. Take a look around here. Local business owners can also submit a free directory listing.
If you’d enjoy hearing about what’s happening around town, sign up for Seven Hills Spotlight here. That subscription is separate from WagSavvy and entirely your choice. For now, welcome! I look forward to staying in touch and sharing information that helps you care for the animals you love. Warmly,
P.S. If you’d rather not receive WagSavvy, you can unsubscribe using the link at the bottom of any email. |
Rome, October 30–31: Schnauzerfest opened Friday at 5 p.m. with a Meet & Greet BBQ at Burk Farm.
Saturday’s Forum River Center activities begin with vendor shopping at noon and scheduled programming at 2 p.m., including Barn Hunt, Fast CAT and Schnauzer Idol.
The Halloween highlight is the Schnauzerween Night Parade at 7 p.m. Saturday, departing Bridgepoint Plaza for Broad Street with costumes and lights.
Dog registration starts at $55 before fees; Friday’s meal ticket is separate.
Read More... |
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A pumpkin costume may look adorable on a Halloween sidewalk, but your dog gets the final say.
The best dog Halloween costumes let dogs walk, breathe, see, hear and sniff comfortably.
If your dog dislikes a harness or sweater, skip tight hats, dangling wings and other fussy accessories.
A lightweight festive bandana may be enough.
Introduce any outfit well before Halloween, rewarding your dog for sniffing it before trying a brief fitting.
Build up through short sessions, checking for rubbing straps or pieces that could catch on paws.
Freezing, trembling, scratching or trying to escape means it is time to stop.
Keep dressed-up outings short and familiar, especially when doorbells, children and crowded sidewalks add excitement.
Watch for overheating, supervise your dog, and keep candy and small decorations out of reach.
If your dog is happier without a costume, enjoy Halloween together without one. Read More... |
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Clocks fall back one hour on Sunday, November 1, but your dog may still be on yesterday's rhythm.
A canine circadian rhythm tracks light, scent, hunger, and the house.
When schedules slide and those cues stay put, confusion is reasonable.
They register dawn and dusk more reliably than any clock.
Scent may matter more, fading after someone leaves and marking the wait.
A late dinner draws a pointed stare as hunger grows urgent.
None of this is clock reading.
Daylight saving time leaves natural cues alone while routines lurch.
The sun still rises on its own schedule.
The food bowl, suddenly, does not.
Some dogs campaign hard when breakfast arrives later than expected.
Most settle within a few days, though sensitive pets may need a couple of weeks.
Shift meals, walks, and bedtime by about fifteen minutes at a time.
Patience matters more than precision.
Protect that pattern, and the hour change stays a brief wobble. Read More... |
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A favorite dog toy can carry more than slobber.
Laboratory testing found heavy bacterial growth on one dog’s soft toys, though the result does not mean every toy is dangerous or that a healthy dog will get sick.
The concern is how germs spread when someone handles a toy, then prepares food or touches their face.
Regular cleaning is especially worthwhile in homes with young children or people more vulnerable to infection.
Follow care instructions when washing soft toys, use pet-safe detergent and dry them thoroughly.
Wash hard toys with warm, soapy water, then rinse and dry them before playtime.
Check toys monthly as a starting point, and clean outdoor toys or those shared between dogs more often.
While cleaning, look for loose seams, damaged squeakers and pieces that could become choking hazards.
Throw away toys that are badly frayed, breaking apart or too difficult to clean.
Clean toys, washed hands and a quick safety check help keep playtime fun. Read More... |