When people think of Valentine’s Day, they often think of chocolates, wine, flowers, candles, love and romance. However, many of these things can be harmful to your four-legged friend. There are some precautions you need to take to have a dog-friendly Valentine’s Day.
Show your hound that you love him by keeping him safe on Valentine’s Day. Here are a few tips to help you and your hound enjoy this romantic holiday.
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Don’t Give Your Hound Chocolate
Every woman, and I’m sure a few guys, love to receive chocolate for Valentine’s Day. However, this romantic gift can be dangerous to dogs. Just two ounces of baking chocolate can cause major problems in smaller breed dogs including vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, elevated heart rate, seizures and can even cause heart attacks. Do not share your box of chocolates with your dog. Instead, get him or her a bag of their own favorite treats to show your love.
Keep the Wine Out of Reach
We all know the problems caused by consuming too much alcohol but consider the effects alcohol could have on your pooch. Some of the symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, coma, difficulty breathing and a lack of coordination. If too much alcohol is ingested, death can also occur so be sure to keep your glass of wine or any alcohol away from your dog. Don’t leave it on a table where your dog can jump up and knock it over or can sneak a lick or two.
Read the Ingredient Labels
Before sharing any of your yummy Valentine’s Day treats with your pup, read the ingredient label and make sure there is no xylitol listed. Xylitol is a sugar substitute that is poisonous to dogs. It can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, seizures and loss of coordination. If your dog eats any product that you suspect contains xylitol, please call your emergency vet or poison control center immediately.
Display Your Flowers Away from Pets
Flowers are fun to receive and can brighten up a room but some types of flowers are highly toxic to dogs and cats. Potentially poisonous flowers can include Tulips, Daisies, Calla Lily and Baby’s Breath. If you can, choose flowers that are safe for pets such as African violets, Orchids, Jasmine, Canna Lilies, Asters or Camellias. Make sure you display your flowers where you pets can’t reach them such as on a tall bookshelf or in the middle of a high table. That way you can have a dog-friendly Valentine’s Day that is not in an emergency vet clinic.
Watch Out for the Thorns
If you receive flowers that contain thorns, make sure none of the thorns end up on the ground. They can easily become lodges in a pup’s paw. They can also be bitten or swallowed if your dog licks the ground. Keep your dog away from you while arranging your flowers and sweep up the floor well before letting them into the area.
Blow Out the Candles
After your romantic, candlelit dinner, be sure to blow out the candles before leaving the room. Dogs don’t always realize that the flame will burn their noses or paws. They could also tip over the candle and cause a fire.
Put Away the Gift Wrap and Decorations
Valentine’s Day decorations and gift wrap can be a choking hazard for dogs. Keep the balloons, gift wrap, tape, bows, ribbon and cellophane away from your pet to prevent them from chewing on and swallowing these hazardous items.
A Dog is Not A Romantic Gift
You might think that a cute puppy is the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for your sweetheart but you would be mistaken. Dogs are a lot of work and cost a lot of money. Does picking up poop in the back yard sound romantic? I don’t think so. If your loved one really wants a new puppy or dog, consider getting him or her a gift certificate to your local shelter or visiting the shelter together. Who knows, you might find love in a furry friend.
Have A Dog-Friendly Valentine’s Day!
Sources:
City of Philadelphia – Put Your Pets in Your Plans: Valentine’s Day and Beyond
University of Pennsylvania – Valentine’s Day: Keeping Pets Safe
