Valentine’s Day Pet Safety Tips From A Springdale ON Veterinarian

Valentine’s Day is a time for love and celebration, but it’s crucial to keep our furry friends safe amidst the festivities. Many traditional Valentine’s gifts, such as chocolates and flowers, pose significant risks to pets. Chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that is toxic to dogs and cats, and many popular flowers, like lilies, can be fatal if ingested by your pet. As pet owners, it’s essential to understand these dangers and take proactive steps to ensure a safe environment. This guide will walk you through the best Valentine’s Day safety tips for pets, helping you celebrate without compromise. From pet-friendly treats to safe decoration practices, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make this Valentine’s Day both special and secure for every member of your family, including the four-legged ones.

Valentine’s Day is coming up quick! As the lovers’ holiday approaches, the stores are already filling with all sorts of romantic trappings, such as candies, chocolates, roses, and stuffed animals. You may even find some cute things for your pet! Just be careful, as many of Cupid’s accessories are dangerous to our furry friends! Read on as a local Springdale ON vet lists a few tips for ensuring that your beloved pet stays safe and sound over the holiday.

Use Caution With Candles

Fire and pets are always a dangerous mix. In fact, pets start over a thousand fires every year! It’s very easy for Fluffy to accidentally stick her tail into a candle flame. Fido can actually knock one over with his.

To ensure a safe Valentine’s Day for your pets, always place candles in elevated, secure areas. Using sturdy candle holders can enhance safety, but for spaces accessible to pets, consider flameless candles. These alternatives provide the charming glow of traditional candles without posing any fire risks to your beloved animals. Keep these Valentine’s Day safety tips for pets in mind to create a festive and hazard-free environment.

Don’t Offer Unsafe Foods

Fido and Fluffy may want to share your dinner with you, but be careful what you offer. Many popular foods are toxic to our furry pals. That list includes meat on the bone, garlic and onions, grapes and raisins, avocado, raw dough or yeast, and anything that contains xylitol and/or a lot of salt, sugar, or fat.

We also want our customers to be aware of the common signs of poisoning in pets. These include the following:

• Excessive Urination
• Dark stools
• Swelling
• Increased Thirst
• Collapse
• Vomiting
• Drooling
• Pale Gums
• Diarrhea
• Collapse
• Lethargy
• Inability To Urinate
• Trembling
• Restlessness

It’s important to note that some of these symptoms can also be signs of other health issues. For instance, did you know that Can My Pets Be Allergic to Each Other? This is just one example of how complex pet health can be. If you see any of these warning signs, you can contact us at 905-792-3456 or the Pet Poison Hotline at 855-764-7661 immediately. (Charges may apply.)

We also advise keeping a pet first-aid kit on hand. This may include things that would be used in a poisoning situation, such as peroxide or activated charcoal. However, you should only use these if and when directed to by your veterinarian or by a pet poison hotline worker.

Keep Chocolates Away From Pets

Chocolates are often on the top of the list of most dangerous foods for pets, and with good reason. It’s one of the only things that is toxic to pretty much all of our animal companions, with the exception of rats and mice. In fact, it can be fatal at just one pound per ounce of your pet’s body weight.

The issue here is a substance known as theobromine. Theobromine is much like caffeine, which is also in chocolate. The issue is that pets can’t metabolize theobromine properly. It can cause a variety of symptoms, and can be fatal at just one ounce per pound of a pet’s body weight.

Watch for signs of ingestion. These include:

• Vomiting
• Panting
• Restlessness
• Diarrhea
• Increased Thirst
• Excessive Urination
• Racing Heart Rate

More severe symptoms include muscle tremors, seizures, and heart failure. While it’s rare for pets to ingest a fatal dose, it’s definitely possible.

It’s worth noting that not all types of chocolate are equal here. Dark, bitter chocolate is the most dangerous, as it has the highest concentration of cocoa. Bakers’ chocolate and unsweetened chocolate are therefore more dangerous than milk chocolate. However, even something that has just a bit of chocolate is unsafe.

Plus, these sweet foods often contain a lot of fat and sugar, which can make pets sick in and of themselves. In severe cases, they can even cause pancreatitis. Ask your Springdale ON veterinary clinic for more information.

Be Careful With Flowers

Flowers are a classic part of Valentine’s Day celebrations. One may not expect that pretty bouquet to pose a risk to your four-legged friend, but unfortunately, there are some serious safety concerns here.

The classic Valentine’s Day flower, the rose, is not toxic. However, the thorns can cause cuts to pets’ mouths, and are definitely not safe to ingest. Lilies, however, are extremely toxic. In fact, they are one of the most deadly plants for cats. Fluffy can go into organ failure just by nibbling a leaf or drinking a little of the water.

Some other popular flowers that are toxic to pets include:

• Tulips
• Oleander
• Daffodils
• Foxglove
• Lily Of The Valley
• Hyacinth
• Cyclamens
• Irises
• Hydrangeas

You can find a complete list of safe and unsafe plants on the ASPCA website here. Toxicity isn’t the only concern, though. You’ll also need to be very cautious with any flowers that have been treated with pesticides. Those that have been decorated with glitter or small ornaments—like a small plastic heart or a cute little Cupid—are also unsafe. Plus, playful pets could choke on leaves or stems.

Store Plushies Out Of Paws’ Reach

Stuffed animals are another popular holiday gift. Dogs are more at risk here than cats. Fluffy is probably more likely to curl up with that cute teddy bear for a nap, whereas Fido may be more interested in eating it.

Valentine’s Day safety tips for pets are crucial when choosing gifts that might entice your furry friends. Many stuffed animals, popular during this holiday, contain small parts like plastic ‘eyes’ or buttons on a teddy bear’s vest, posing serious choking hazards. Additionally, if Fido were to ingest the stuffing or a squeaker, the consequences could be severe. Dogs might remove these items with remarkable precision, which, while seemingly harmless, is hazardous. Always exercise caution with any toy or decoration that includes batteries, as these can be particularly dangerous if chewed or swallowed.

Secure Hard Candies

Candies probably aren’t the most dangerous thing in your house, but there is a hazard for pet owners to be aware of. Many smaller candies are hard enough to choke pets. The wrappers are also choking hazards, and could potentially cause intestinal blockages if swallowed. Aside from that, many of these sweets include things that are not safe for your furry friend. Xylitol—sometimes labeled as birch sugar—is toxic to both Fido and Fluffy. Chocolate, of course, is another risk. All that fat and sugar isn’t exactly good for pets, either.

Put Cards In High Spots

Does your canine buddy chew anything and everything in sight? If so, you’ll want to be careful with cards as well. Paper isn’t a huge risk in and of itself: the concern here is mostly for cards that play music or light up. These contain small batteries, which you definitely do not want your pet eating.

Don’t Let Pets Drink Alcohol

Every holiday has its own associated menus. This lovers’ holiday is no exception. Many couples celebrate Valentine’s Day with a romantic candlelit dinner, which will often include a bottle of wine.

You can get Fido a chew toy shaped like a wine bottle. Fluffy can even enjoy her own catnip wine. Just don’t share the real stuff with your pet. Alcohol is very dangerous to our four-legged pals! Ingestion of even small amounts can cause your pet’s blood sugar, blood pressure, and body temperature to drop. More severe consequences include seizures, respiratory failure, and, if enough is consumed, death.

Here are some of the common signs to watch for:

• Drooling
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Collapse
• Depression
• Lethargy
• Lack Of Coordination
• Trouble Breathing

Contact your Springdale ON veterinary clinic immediately if you notice any of these issues.

Celebrating Valentine’s Day With Pets

Now that we’ve gotten the serious part out of the way, let’s move on to the fun stuff. Why not include Fido and Fluffy in your Valentine’s Day celebration? Pet product companies are making a whole slew of adorable themed accessories. These can make for some cute photos! Fluffy may enjoy batting at a catnip heart, while Fido might look adorable posing in a heart made of flower petals. You can also get a cute themed jacket or blanket for your canine pal to wear or snuggle up in.

Valentine’s Day safety tips for pets in 2024

How can you train your pet to avoid dangerous items?

Training pets to avoid dangerous items involves consistency and positive reinforcement. Begin by teaching basic commands like ‘leave it’ or ‘drop it.’ Use treats and praise to reward compliance. Create controlled environments where the pet encounters potentially hazardous objects under supervision, reinforcing correct behavior each time. Regularly practice these commands in varying scenarios to ensure the pet understands the command applies universally. If a pet shows interest in a dangerous item, distract them with a toy or treat, reinforcing that ignoring the item is beneficial. Consistently training and rewarding desired behaviors significantly reduces the risks of accidents.

What alternatives exist for traditional Valentine’s items?

Valentine’s Day poses unique risks to pets due to traditional gifts like chocolates and flowers. Instead of chocolate, consider pet-safe treats that don’t contain toxic ingredients such as theobromine or xylitol. For mood lighting, flameless candles offer a safe alternative to real flames, which can be hazardous. Instead of potentially harmful flowers like lilies and tulips, opt for pet-friendly plant options. Plush toys for pets should be free of small, detachable parts to avoid choking hazards. Always choose gifts with pet safety in mind to ensure a festive and hazard-free celebration.

What specific risks do gift wrapping materials pose?

Gift wrapping materials, while seemingly harmless, pose significant risks to pets. Ribbons and strings can cause choking or, if swallowed, obstruct the intestines, potentially leading to surgery or worse. Tape and adhesive labels can stick to fur and skin, causing irritation or injury when removed. Moreover, the small decorations often found on gift wraps, like bows or small plastic items, are choking hazards and can be toxic if ingested, leading to serious health complications. Always keep these materials out of pets’ reach to ensure their safety.

Where should you post emergency contact numbers?

Emergency contact numbers should be easily accessible and visible in multiple locations around your home to ensure quick retrieval during a crisis. Consider posting them on the refrigerator door, inside a cabinet in the main living area, and near any home phones. Additionally, storing these numbers in your cell phone under a designated emergency contact can prove invaluable. Always include the number for your local veterinarian, the nearest emergency veterinary clinic, and a pet poison control center. This preparedness helps ensure timely action in emergencies, protecting your pet’s health and safety.

What information should you have ready for emergency situations?

In emergency situations involving pets, having specific information ready can expedite care and potentially save lives. Always have the contact details for your local veterinarian and the nearest emergency pet hospital. It’s crucial to keep a record of your pet’s medical history, current medications, and any known allergies. Additionally, familiarize yourself with common signs of distress in pets, such as excessive drooling, vomiting, weakness, and coordination issues. This preparedness ensures you can quickly relay vital details to medical professionals or poison control centers when seconds count.

Do you have questions about your pet’s health or care? Contact us, your local Springdale ON pet hospital, today! We offer a range of services, including veterinary behavior counseling, to ensure your pets stay happy and healthy, not just on Valentine’s Day, but all year round.