Keep your Four-Legged Friend Safe from Valentine’s Day Hazards

Even though it’s that time of year to celebrate your sweetheart with cards, candy and flowers, it’s important to keep in mind Valentine’s Day isn’t always so sweet for pets. 

This Valentine’s Day, the Center for Animal Referral and Emergency Services (CARES) is urging pet parents to keep their cats and dogs away from chocolate and flowers since both can be deadly if ingested by Fluffy or Fido. 

Jon M. Rappaport, VMD, a veterinary emergency physician at CARES, cautions that even though pets may sometimes beg or scrounge to get delicious chocolate treats, pet owners are truly showing their pets love by preventing ingestion.

“Chocolate toxicity is one of the most common – and dangerous – pet emergencies we see at CARES,” Dr. Rappaport said. “Chocolate contains two harmful substances for dogs: theobromine and caffeine. Even in small doses, ingesting chocolate can be fatal for pets.”

Dr. Rappaport said not all chocolates are equal when it comes to dogs. Darker chocolate and baking chocolate are the most toxic and especially should be avoided. 

While humans can indulge in chocolate to their hearts’ content, Dr. Rappaport said these substances cause gastrointestinal issues, increased heart rate, seizures and more in pets. Adding to the hazard are chocolate-covered food items, because the chocolate may be covering up another dangerous food item, which was the case for Steve Morrow’s Yorkie-Bichon. 

“Our dog, Rosie, got into cocoa-covered espresso beans just before Christmas,” Morrow said. “She was in grave danger but we got her to CARES within two and a half hours, and the doctors got most of the chocolate out. Any more time, and she wouldn’t have made it.”

Chocolate isn’t the only danger to animals on Valentine’s Day – flowers can also be harmful. 

“Most types of lilies are deadly to cats,” Dr. Rappaport said. “These flowers cause kidney failure very quickly and the prognosis is not good if left untreated.”

Dr. Rappaport added that roses are not poisonous to cats or dogs, but ingesting thorns can cause gastrointestinal upset and trauma to the mouth and paws.   

The bottom line is if you think your pet has ingested something inappropriate on Valentine’s Day, quick response and treatment are paramount, Dr. Rappaport said.