Valentine’s Day is coming up fast. If your pet will be around for the holiday festivities, make sure they stay safe from common hazards! Learn more below from a vet in Coon Rapids, MN.
Sweet Treats
Valentine’s Day and chocolate treats seem to go hand-in-hand. Of course, chocolate is very bad for our animal companions! All types of chocolate—milk, white, semi-sweet, dark, powdered versions, baking chocolate, and more—contain caffeine and a chemical called theobromine, both of which are harmful for pets.
Many candies, gums, and baked goods are sweetened with xylitol, an artificial sugar substitute that holds toxic properties for pets. As little as a stick and a half of xylitol-sweetened gum can cause serious health issues! Keep all candies and chocolates far out of your pet’s reach this holiday.
Dangerous Flowers
Lilies are a common bouquet and arrangement flower, and they’re dangerous for pets. Cats, in particular, seem to be particularly susceptible to poisoning. If you’ve received a holiday bouquet or displayed flowers in a vase, check to make sure lilies aren’t present. Also beware of Valentine’s Day roses; while they aren’t toxic, the sharp thorns of roses can harm a pet who swallows part of the stem or flower.
Alcohol
Alcohol and pets don’t mix! In fact, pets respond to alcohol in the same way that humans do. There’s one major difference: it only takes small amounts of alcohol to cause serious poisoning. Keep a close eye on all liquor drinks, wine, beer, and champagne to make sure that your pet can’t imbibe. Never feed your pet alcohol of any kind on purpose.
Toxic Foods
If you’re cooking an intimate holiday meal for that special someone, make sure your pet can’t get their paws on any harmful foods. Onions, garlic, chives, shallots, scallions, grapes and raisins, macadamia nuts, salty foods, fatty items… the list goes on and on. Keep any toxic foods out of your pet’s reach.
Candles
Candles are great for setting a romantic holiday mood, but it’s safest to keep your pets elsewhere after they’re lit. It’s all too easy for a pet to dip their paw in hot wax or swipe it through an open flame, startling them into potentially knocking over candles.
All of us here at your Coon Rapids, MN veterinary clinic wish you a safe and happy Valentine’s Day. For more advice on great pet care, contact the office today.