Valentine’s Day Safety Tips from Top Vet: For the Love of Pets

February 4, 2022 /

Good morning,

Roses are red, violets are blue, we want you to love your pets too!

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, we are dedicated to show our love and appreciation for our loved ones that we might forget about the love of our four-legged friends? While romance might be in the air, it can often be a pet safety hazard. When it comes to planning a safe and stress-free Valentine’s Day, it helps to plan ahead.

Dr. Machell, Medical Director, DVM, Vetster provides these tips to reduce pet anxiety and keep them safe this Valentine’s Day:

  • Paws Off The Sweet Stuff: It should come as no surprise that chocolate is a big no no for pets, with the potential to cause life-threatening illness when ingested. But did you know that most candy has a similar risk? Many sugar-free candy products are made with xylitol which is highly toxic to dogs. Symptoms include a sudden drop in blood sugar, vomiting, and seizures, and can come on very quickly. Be diligent to ensure that no sweets are left out where pets can find them.

  • No Lilies for Kitties (Or Puppies): Flowers and Valentine’s go hand in hand, but if you receive a bouquet this year, be careful not to expose your pet to any dangerous flora. Remember, “no lilies for kitties” — the entire plant, from its stem to its flowers, is toxic to cats. Even just a few pollen grains or drinking a small amount of vase water can cause fatal kidney failure in as little as 3 days. Lilies can also cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs, so keep these away from all pets.

  • Keep it Tidy: After unwrapping any Valentine’s gifts, be diligent to gather up any ribbons, cellophane, and wrapping materials. Pets love to chew and play with stringy scraps but if any of these get lodged in their throat or digestive tract it can lead to vomiting, choking and even intestinal blockages. Resulting in one expensive visit to the vet.

 

  • Please Drink Responsibly: Many enjoy indulging in a glass (or two) of wine over a romantic Valentine’s dinner. Unfortunately, many pets aren’t picky when it comes to lapping up anything left on the dinner table. Alcohol can cause nausea, loss of coordination, and even coma if enough is ingested. Always keep an eye on your beverages and never keep them at pet level.

  • Set the Mood Safely: Candles might set the mood for a romantic Valentine’s evening, but open flames can wreak havoc on your Valentine’s festivities if they get knocked over by a curious cat. If you decide to use real candles, keep them far away from where nosy noses and pawing paws can reach them.