Valentine's Day Pet Safety

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! Keep your canine companion in mind as you get ready for this sweet holiday. Many of the trappings of this lovers’ celebration are dangerous to Fido and Fluffy! Read on for some pet safety tips from a Virginia Beach, VA vet.

Keep Chocolate Away From Pets

While every type of animal has their own list of safe and unsafe foods, chocolate is bad for almost all of them. This is because it contains a substance called theobromine, which pets cannot properly metabolize. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, panting, restlessness, excessive urination, elevated pulse, muscle tremors, and even seizures. Unfortunately, ingestion can be deadly, and in very small amounts. In fact, a dose of just one ounce per pound of Fido’s body weight can be fatal.

Be Careful With Candles

Candles and pets can be a very dangerous mix! Keep candles in high, secure holders, well out of the reach of your furry pal’s paws (or tail). It’s much too easy for Fluffy to stick her tail into the candle, or for Fido to knock one over with his.

Put Candies Up

Colored candy hearts are also unsafe, as they contain xylitol, which is toxic to pets. While many dogs and cats will ignore these, it’s still best to keep them in a spot your four-legged pal can’t reach.

Don’t Share The Wine

A bottle of wine is a classic part of many holiday dinners. However, this is definitely not something you want to share with your furry bff. Our animal companions can get very, very sick from drinking even small amounts of alcohol.

Hide The Stuffed Animals

Those little teddy bears and other plushies really can make sweet gifts. However, don’t let your canine pal see them! Many stuffed animals contain parts and accessories that are dangerous to pets. These include things like ribbons; plastic eyes, noses, or buttons; small accessories, such as clothing or shoes; and batteries. Get Fido something made just for him.

Keep Cards Out Of Paws’ Reach

Cards may not come to mind as particularly hazardous, and most of them really aren’t. However, the ones that light up or play music contain little batteries, which are very dangerous for FIdo and Fluffy to ingest.

Happy Valentine’s Day! Please feel free to contact us, your Virginia Beach, VA animal clinic, anytime!