Each year the SCRAPS poison control experts see a rise in cases around February 14th, many involving chocolate or lilies, a flower that’s potentially fatal to cats. Valentines’s Day can be as much fun for pets as it is for humans – as long as dangerous items are kept out of paws’ reach!
Pet Safe Bouquets
When sending a floral arrangement to someone with a cat, specify that it contains no lilies. You may want to check this list for other plants to stay away from.
Forbidden Chocolate
Seasoned pet lovers know that all types of chocolate are potentially life-threatening when ingested by pets. Go ahead and indulge, but don’t leave chocolate out for chowhouds to find.
Careful with Cocktails
Spilled wine, a half a glass of champagne, or some leftover liquor are nothing to cry over – until a curious pet laps them up. Because animals are smaller than humans, a little bit of alcohol can do a lot of harm, causing vomiting, diarrhea, lack of coordination, central nervous system depression, tremors, difficulty breathing, metabolic disturbances, and even coma. Potentially fatal respiratory failure can also occur if a large amount is ingested.
Wrap It Up
Gather up tape, ribbons, bows, wrapping paper, cellophane, and balloons after presents have been opened – if swallowed these long, stringy, and ‘fun-to-chew’ items can get lodged in your pet’s throat or digestive tract, causing them to choke or vomit.
Life is Sweet
Don’t let pets near treats sweetened with xylitol. If ingested, gum, candy, and other treats that include this sweetener can result in hypoglycemia (a sudden drop in blood sugar). This can cause your pet to suffer depression, a loss of coordination, and seizures.
Every Rose Has Its Thorn
Don’t let pets near roses or other thorny-stemmed flowers. Biting, stepping on, or swallowing their sharp, woody spines can cause serious infection if a puncture occurs. De-thorn your roses far away from pets.
Playing with Fire
It’s nice to set your evening a-glow with candlelight, but put out the fire when you leave the room. Pawing kittens and nosy pooches can burn themselves or cause a fire by knocking over unattended candles.
Treats for Furry Friends
If you are thinking about getting some special treats for your furry friends this Valentine’s Day, you may want to consider making them rather than purchasing them. Commercially made pet treats can have your pet’s daily requirement of calories in just one treat.
The Furry Gift?
Giving a cuddly puppy or kitten may seem a fitting Valentine’s Day gift – however, returning a pet you hadn’t planned on is anything but romantic. Companion animals bring with them a lifelong commitment, and choosing a pet for someone else doesn’t always turn out right.
SOURCE – SCRAPS release, February 2017
