Valentine’s day is here and love is in the air! Flowers, chocolates, candlelight dinners and other gifts can make for a romantic evening however there are hidden risks to consider for our furry companions. Here is a list of some safety tips to consider around valentine’s day:
Be aware of what plants are in any bouquet:
There are several plants that can be toxic to our pets. In particular, make sure there are no lilies around if you have a cat as they are poisonous. If you have any doubt as to whether a plant is toxic or not the ASPCA has a list of plants. Other plants to be cautious with our roses with thorns as they can swallow them or step on them leading to injury
Chocolate:
Chocolate can be potentially life-threatening when ingested by an animal. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity and affect neurological and cardiac function. Chocolates with higher fat content can lead to inflammation of the pancreas (known as pancreatitis), a potentially life-threatening condition. The general rule of thumb is the darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is. By all means, indulge, but don’t keep chocolate somewhere where our furry friends can find it.
Alcohol:
Romantic dinners often involve a nice beverage to go with it, however, keep in mind that alcohol and pets shouldn’t mix. Because of their smaller size, they are more sensitive to its effects than we are.
Candles:
Candlelight dinners are often a key piece to any Valentine’s date, but just make sure to blow out the candles when you leave the room. Curious pets may paw over the candle leading to burns, or even knocking it over leading to a fire!
Written by: Dr. David Baker, Veterinarian
