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As Valentine’s Day approaches, you are probably trying to decide on the perfect gift for your dog. But did you know that the traditional tokens of affection — roses, chocolates, and other candies — can be harmful to the four-legged loves of your life? Here are some tips to ensure a loving and safe Valentine’s Day this year.
1. Don’t Let Your Animals Eat Chocolate
Chocolate, a popular gift around this time of year, can be dangerous to pets. Trupanion Pet Insurance reports that historically chocolate makes up 70% of toxicity-related claims around Valentine’s day.
A ten-pound dog can come away with vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, seizures, and an abnormally elevated heart rate from just two ounces of baking chocolate or 20 ounces of milk chocolate. Chocolates also contain fat and caffeine-like substances known as methylxanthines, which can cause the above symptoms and death in severe cases.
Cats are sensitive, too, but they don’t usually eat large enough amounts of chocolate to cause anything worse than gastrointestinal upset.
Learn which foods not to feed your dog
2. Put Bubbly & Alcoholic Beverages Out Of Reach
If a pet ingests alcohol, it could cause vomiting, diarrhea, a lack of coordination, central nervous system depression, tremors, difficulty breathing, metabolic disturbances, and coma.
Alcohol can even cause death from respiratory failure if a dog consumes a large enough amount. It is critical to keep in mind that animals are smaller than us. They often metabolize substances differently, making pets more susceptible to alcohol in smaller amounts.
We advise not allowing pets to have any access to alcoholic beverages or other alcohol-based products.
Learn about some dog-friendly beverage options
3. Don’t Let Them Eat Zylitol Or Other Sugar Substitutes
Another potential hazard is gum or candy sweetened with the sugar substitute xylitol, which can cause a relatively sudden drop in blood sugar (known as hypoglycemia), resulting in depression, loss of coordination, and seizures.
“If you suspect your dog may have eaten products containing any of these harmful ingredients, please seek veterinary treatment immediately,” says Dr. Steven Hansen, veterinary toxicologist and Vice President of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
4. Place Flowers Out Of Reach
Many varieties of lilies are highly toxic to cats, so if these are your Valentine’s flower of choice, make sure your cats can’t get near them. Lily toxicity is one of Trupanion’s most common (and one of the most expensive) toxicity claims, with an average claim cost of nearly $800.
Other potentially poisonous flowers may include:
- Tulips (especially if potted, as the bulbs are the most toxic)
- Amaryllis (same as tulips)
- Calla Lily (can cause intense oral and gastrointestinal irritation)
- Daisies
- Chrysanthemums
- Baby’s Breath
Safer floral alternatives might include:
- African violet
- Asters
- Camellia
- Canna Lilies (they are not of the genus Lilium)
- Jasmine
- Orchids
Check out our toxic plant list to ensure that your choice of flower or plant is a safe one. Much of this vital information pertains to birds, dogs, and cats.
5. Keep Pets Away From Thorns
We urge pet owners to be cautious with roses and other flowers containing thorns as they are potentially harmful if played with, bitten, stepped on or swallowed.
“It’s all too easy for pets to step on thorny stems that fall to the ground as a flower arrangement is being created,” says Dr. Louise Murray, Director of Medicine for the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital. “Be sure to keep your pets clear of your workspace as you arrange your beautiful flowers since they can develop serious infections from thorn punctures.”
6. Don’t Leave Candles Burning
Candlelit dinners are romantic. But don’t leave the room while the flames are still burning. Let curious paws and beaks find other, safer things to play with.
7. Clean Up Gift Wrap And Decorations
Make sure to keep balloons, cellophane, tape, ribbons, bows, and other wrapping items or festive decorations out of your pets’ reach. Choking on any of these items, or ingesting them, may prove hazardous to your pet’s health.
Are You Sure A Pet Is The Best Gift?
It may seem very tempting to give your loved one a new puppy or kitten for Valentine’s Day. They sure are cute and cuddly! But we wish to remind you that bringing a new companion animal into your home is a big decision.
Why you should reconsider giving a dog as a gift
Why not present your loved one with a gift certificate to adopt from your local shelter, or take a trip to the shelter together? You might make another love match.
Source: ASPCA
Tagged With: Holidays
