A Pet Owner's Guide to Valentine's Day

These are definitely things to keep in mind! (Image Source)

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, there are a couple of things to remember if you are a pet owner.

Chocolates are a definite no for our pets! (Image Source)

One of the top hazards is definitely chocolate. As many people are aware, chocolate is toxic to pets. This is one of the top gifts associated with Valentine's Day. It is very important to keep your sweets are away from your pet. Symptoms of chocolate toxicity can range from mild gastro-intestinal upset (some vomiting/ diarrhea) to severe including seizures and comas. It all depends on the amount and type of chocolate (as well as the size of the dog). If you think your pet has ingested some of your gift it is a good idea to call your veterinarian right away! The sooner treatment is started, the less likely it is for symptoms to become serious.

Lilies are popular in many floral arrangements, but can be very hazardous to our pets. (Image Source)

Another possible concern would be flowers. While many flowers do not pose a problem, there are several that can cause extreme side effects in our pets. The most common is flowers in the lillium family. These will include Easter lily, tiger lily, stargazer lily, day lily and Japanese snow lily. If you have ANY concerns there may be lilies in the floral arrangement, it is best to keep it well away from your pets. When ingested, lilies can cause vomiting, but more importantly, they can lead to kidney failure. If left untreated it could prove to be fatal. In this instance, it is much more common for cats to be the culprit than dogs. Typically any part of the plant is toxic.

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While not as popular at this time of year when compared to Christmas, nuts can also pose a potential threat to our pets. Most of the time it will lead to some gastro-intestinal upset, but in some cases it could lead to a more significant pancreatitis. This is inflammation of the pancreas that can lead to very severe vomiting and diarrhea which in some cases will require hospitalization.

Sugar Free gums (or candies) can be very hazardous to our pets. (Image Source)

Gum is another item that may be more common around this holiday. While some gums may be ok, there are many gums that contain the artificial sweetener Xylitol. This can be VERY serious in our pets. Xylitol while safe in humans can lead to dramatic changes in blood glucose in our pets. It can also lead to long term effects on the kidney. If your pet has ingested some gum and you KNOW Xylitol is an ingredient or you aren't sure, you need to call your veterinarian immediately!!

Make sure all stuffed things that are not intended for your pet are put away. (Image Source)

Although it is a bit of a stretch, remember to watch your pet around any small stuffed animals. These are another popular valentines day gift and since they are typically not made for pets they are more likely to be destroyed or have parts that could be a choking hazard. It is just best to keep everything up and away when your pet is not supervised.

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So those are some of our top concerns when it comes to Valentine's Day and your pet! The best way you can show your pet you love them is to keep them safe!