Valentine's Day Pet Care

While Valentine's Day is a very special holiday for humans, it can be quite dangerous for our pets. Local vets and poison control experts say that they see a significant rise in emergency cases involving lilies and chocolates around February 14th.

Poisonous Flowers

In case you didn't know, lilies are fatal to feline companions. If you happen to be sending a floral arrangement containing lilies to someone it is important to tell the florist if they happen to have a cat and request that they attach a warning sign or simply leave the lilies out of the arrangement. If you have lilies in your home and your cat suddenly has a diarrhea, an upset stomach or diarrhea, they should see their vet immediately.

Everyone Loves Chocolate

Although most pet owners do know that their pets cannot consume chocolate, somehow it mysteriously gets left out around Valentine's Day. This cannot happen! There is danger in all chocolate including milk, dark, semi sweet and baker's that can lead to fatality. Darker chocolates works like caffeine, containing similar stimulants that can affect your pet's gastrointestinal and cardiac function, causing seizures, vomiting, elevated heart rate, diarrhea and can result in an inflammation in the pancreas, this of course is life threatening.

Drinks Anyone?

A little alcohol goes a long way with pets because most of them are so much smaller than humans. (I say most because my male dog out weighs me) Should you happen to spill a bit of wine or champagne on your counter, wipe it up and never leave your glass lying around with alcohol still left in it. Even a small amount of alcohol can result in lack of coordination, vomiting, central nervous system tremors, diarrhea, difficulty breathing and even coma. If enough alcohol is ingested, fatal respiratory failure can occur.

Sweet Treats

Just because your treats don't contain chocolate doesn't mean that they're not dangerous. Gum, candy and many other treats contain Xylitol which can lead to hypoglycemia, a sudden drop in blood sugar. Your best friend can ultimately suffer from depression, seizures and loss of coordination.

Candles

Valentine's Day and candles go hand in hand however, kittens and nosy puppies have no idea that they can burn themselves or start a fire if they knock one over.Be mindful of where you place candles and never leave them burning when you're not around .

Gift Wrap, Ribbons and Bows

Cellophane, balloons, bows and ribbons must be thrown away after you open gifts. These stringy objects can easily get lodged in an animal's throat, causing them to choke. alternatively, they can caught in their digestive tracks as well.

Puppy Love

If you want to give an animal as a gift this Valentine's Day, please make absolutely sure that the person wants it. Giving a pet is a most wonderful gift however, some people are not prepared for such a lifelong commitment. It is not fair to any animal to have to be moved around again and returned. Happy Valentine's Day!