The North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA) warns pet owners to be cautious with their pets during Halloween celebrations. Chocolate and other human foods can be poisonous to pets and cause health issues. NAPHIA recommends securing garbage and food scraps, adjusting pet feeding times, and providing attention to pets during celebrations to keep them safe from ingesting unsafe foods. Dr. Bernadine Cruz notes that pancreatitis caused by rich human foods can be life-threatening for pets and advises pet owners to avoid feeding their pets human food and see a veterinarian immediately if their pet shows signs of illness.

1. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Media Contact: Loran Hickton, Executive Director
North American Pet Health Insurance Association
Telephone: 1-412-319-7730 / 1-412-908-9761
National Pet Health Insurance Association Provides Advisory –
The Real Trick is Caution and Care during the Season of Treats
October 28, 2010 (Pittsburgh, PA) As pet owners and families plan their Halloween
festivities that includes ghosts, goblins, tricks, treats and hopefully some delicious
feasts, the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA) reminds pet
owners the “trick” to a pet’s health is caution and the treat is a wellness.
In many homes, trick or treat means the consumption of chocolate and other
assorted sweats and candies. For many, it seems more is consumed in the home
rather than provided to the adorned witches, ghosts, and goblins of Halloween. This
can not only be unhealthy for humans, it can also be devastating for pets.
During this festive time of the year it is almost impossible not to taste-test the
meals being prepared, or to sit near the door with a bowl filled with candy without a
sample. This is also true for the four-legged family members. They too want to
sample a scrap in the kitchen, or partake in an unusual treat from the coffee table or
the candy bowl. As pets stand ready and prepared for any opportunity for food or a
strange foreign object, pet owners must be vigilant and protect them from their
natural tendencies.
Pets ingesting rich and fatty foods, chocolates, or other unsuitable or unintended
items, can create a holiday consumed by a veterinary emergency hospital. The visit
may not be how a pet owner wanted to spend the day but it could save the pet's life.
“It is always distressing when a pet owner brings a pet in for treatment during the
holidays. Sadly in most cases loving pet owners are simply trying to spoil or provide
a special treat for their pet. The result is spoiled health and a long day at the
veterinary hospital and a great deal of expense,” explained Dr. Bernadine Cruz.
Pet owners need to be mindful of the following:
• Do not provide any forms of chocolate. Chocolate is poisonous to cats and dogs
• Do not provide table scraps or foods not specifically prepared for pets
• Secure or remove garbage and food scraps from the kitchen before sitting down to
dine
• Adjust your pet’s feeding time to begin as you are serving dinner for special
occasions and add a special veterinarian approved pet treat as part of the meal
• Plan and provide short periods of special one-on-one time for walks and providing

2. focused attention during special occasions. Pets can adjust better to additional
activities taking place in the home, if special attention is provided.
“Providing any form of candy or rich human foods is just a bad idea and it can cause
Pancreatitis and general internal illness. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the
pancreas, and it can be life threatening. When a pet is diagnosed with pancreatitis,
he/she becomes more susceptible to developing the disease again so you want to
avoid your pet ever having it, said Dr. Cruz.
“The best way to protect our pets so they can enjoy a healthy and happy life is to
avoid feeding the pet human foods. If your pet becomes ill with prolonged or
excessive vomiting and diarrhea, take it immediately to your veterinarian
immediately. And remember to consider pet health insurance. It allows the pet to
receive the care that is needed rather than just the care the pet owner can afford,”
continued Dr. Cruz.
Be certain that your pet has visited your veterinarian recently and is updated on all
vaccines, as well as flea, tick and heartworm prevention. NAPHIA suggest all pets
visit their veterinarian two times a year. Make sure your pet is in good condition
before the holidays. Like humans, our pets can put on a few pounds over the winter.
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Founded in 2007, the North American Pet Health Insurance Association is committed
to educating and promoting the values and benefits of pet health insurance to North
American pet owners, the general public, and the veterinary industry. For more
information, visit www.naphia.org or call 412-319-7730 / 412-908-9766.
Dr. Bernadine Cruz is a University of California at Davis graduate. She has been
practicing companion animal medicine at Laguna Hills Animal Hospital for more than
20 years. Dr. Cruz acts as a consultant for veterinary pharmaceutical companies,
and is featured on numerous local and national television shows such as the Early
Show and the Today Show. She communicates on a daily basis in over 3,000
veterinary reception rooms as one of the hosts for PetCare TV. Dr. Cruz also serves
on the advisory board for Veterinary News Network as well as Proctor and Gambles,
and Iams Pet Wellness Council. Dr. Cruz is also the national spokesperson for the
North American Pet Health Insurance Association.