Celebrate Valentine’s Day the pet-safe way

 
 
 
Valentine day pet safety

Chocolate and flowers are very romantic, but taking your pet to the emergency room is most definitely not. 

 

 

Make sure your date night doesn’t become memorable for all the wrong reasons by keeping these romantic toxins and hazards out of your pet’s curious reach.

  • Chocolate. What may be a delectable treat for you can cause stomach upset, seizures and even death in both dogs and cats. Take extra caution with dark chocolate and baking chocolate, which are most toxic.
  • Flowers, especially lilies. Several common bouquet flowers can land pets in trouble, but none are as dangerous as a lily, which can be lethal to a cat with just one nibble. Double-check all bouquets you send or receive against this list of toxic flowers.
  • Alcohol. Our pets are lightweights who can go from stumbling to seriously ill on very little alcohol. Never set a glass down where a thirsty pet might lap up your drink.
  • Marijuana. As cannabis becomes more mainstream at parties and events, so does marijuana toxicity in pets. Baked goods and gummies may smell particularly tempting to pets seeking treats.
  • Essential oils and liquid potpourri. These concentrated oils and liquids are often found in cute dishes that look just like little water bowls. A few licks can burn the skin around the mouth and cause serious sickness.
  • Sugar-free products, including candies and gum. Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in many foods and household products. Even a small amount can cause a concerning drop in a dog’s blood sugar.
  • Candles. Playful cats may love to bat at the flickering flames, and rambunctious dogs may bump a candle display. If you’re not around to supervise, always blow out candles and put out of reach.
  • Ribbons. Whether on balloons, presents or anything else, many cats find ribbons irresistible play items. If swallowed, though, they can knot up in the gut and require surgery to remove.

 

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