Love is in the Air: Keep Your Pets Safe This Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is a time for love, chocolates, and flowers, but it’s important to remember that some of the things we enjoy during this holiday can pose dangers to our furry friends. Whether you're planning a romantic evening or a cozy night at home, here are some common Valentine’s Day hazards to watch out for and tips to keep your pets safe.
1. Chocolate: A Sweet Treat, but Not for Pets
Chocolate is a Valentine’s staple, but it contains theobromine and caffeine—both toxic to dogs and cats. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are especially dangerous. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or worse, serious heart and nervous system issues.
Tip: Keep all chocolates out of reach, and if your pet sneaks a bite, contact your vet immediately.
2. Flowers: Pretty, but Potentially Poisonous
Nothing says Valentine’s Day like a beautiful bouquet, but some flowers can be harmful to pets.
Lilies: Extremely toxic to cats; even a small nibble can cause kidney failure.
Roses: While not toxic, their thorns can injure paws or mouths.
Baby’s Breath: Often used in bouquets, it can cause stomach upset in pets.
Tip: Choose pet-safe flowers like sunflowers, gerbera daisies, or orchids, and place arrangements well out of reach.
3. Candles and Decorations: Romantic, but Risky
Candles add ambiance, but curious pets can knock them over, causing burns or fires. Ribbon, string, or small decorations can also be tempting to chew but may lead to choking or intestinal blockages if swallowed.
Tip: Opt for flameless candles and supervise your pet around decorations.
4. Alcohol and Sweets
Alcohol is toxic to pets, and some sugar-free sweets contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that can cause rapid drops in blood sugar, seizures, and liver failure in dogs.
Tip: Keep drinks and treats out of paw’s reach and educate guests about not sharing snacks with pets.
5. Gift Wrap and Packaging
Boxes, bows, and wrapping paper can be irresistible toys for pets, but ingestion of these materials can cause digestive issues or blockages.
Tip: Dispose of gift wrap immediately after unwrapping, and avoid leaving tempting items lying around.
What to Do If Your Pet Gets Into Trouble
Even with precautions, accidents can happen. If your pet ingests something potentially harmful, call your veterinarian or an animal poison control hotline right away.
Show Your Pet Some Love This Valentine’s Day
Want to include your pet in the Valentine’s Day fun? Treat them to something safe and special:
A new toy
Pet-safe treats
A cozy blanket or bed
This Valentine’s Day, make sure love is the only thing in the air—keep hazards out of reach and your pets safe. After all, they’re the ones who love you unconditionally, every single day!
Have questions about keeping your pet safe? Contact us today for advice or to schedule a wellness check!