While chocolate is one of many toxic foods present year-round, it is even more prevalent around several holidays. Photo: Bigstock/Amaviael 

October brings a favorite holiday for many: Halloween. However, it can be a dangerous time of year for our four-legged friends. Methylxanthine toxicosis is a common intoxication for many dogs and sometimes ferrets. (Thankfully, cats generally lack a cocoa sweet tooth). Chocolate abounds this time of year. Ensuring owners understand the risks, warning all family members to keep chocolate out of pets' reach, and knowing clinical signs, resources, and how to manage toxicity helps ensure successful outcomes.

Don't hesitate to refer for overnight care in possibly severe, even lethal, toxic cases; this can improve outcomes. While potentially fatal, the prognosis for full recovery is nearly 100 percent when managed promptly and correctly.